JEAN J. WELLS
Sept. 12, 1936-May18, 2010
STANTONSBURG -- Dr. Agnes Jean Poythress Walston Jones Wells, 6672 Good News Church Road, died Tuesday.
Funeral services will be conducted Saturday at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Shingleton Funeral Home, with the Rev. Julius Whitley officiating. Interment will follow in Good News Church Cemetery.
She was the daughter of the late Pait Thomas Walston and Annie Poythress Walston of Stantonsburg.
She was born in Wilson County, and graduated from Saratoga High School with honors. She attended Atlantic Christian College in Wilson, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education, continued her education at East Carolina University, where she received two master's degrees and then attended her beloved Duke University, where she received a Doctorate of Education in administration/supervision and curriculum.
Jean served the state of North Carolina in the field of education as a teacher, counselor, principal and college professor.
She was a published author and gave many special addresses to student groups, professionals and teaching organizations. The recipient of numerous academic scholarships and research awards, she was honored by the North Carolina Youth Development Commission for helping institutionalized juveniles adjust upon returning to society.
Dr. Wells served in a leadership capacity in professional organizations and on state educational boards and committees; her favorite was getting to work with then Gov. James B. Hunt Jr. as a staff member of the Commission on Education for Economic Growth. She also served as chairman of the Wilson County Governor's Conference on Leadership Development for Women.
She is survived two sons, Travis Brown and Alan Brown, both of Wilson; a stepdaughter, Raquel Branham and husband, Rick of Camden, S.C.; stepgrandchild, Braley Branham of Camden, S.C.; three sisters, Helen Gardner of Gardner's township, Rachel Morgan of Wilson and Patricia Killette of Selma; special friends, Corey Whitley and T.J. Taylor; beloved companion of both Dr. Wells and her mother, Sarah Hyman of Beaufort; numerous nieces and nephews; a large church family at Good News Advent Christian Church; and numerous friends.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, P.T. Walston Jr. and Ervin Walston, and three sisters, Mildred Walston, Hazel Williams and Emma Jean Webb.
The family will receive friends Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Shingleton Funeral Home, 2413 Nash St. NW, Wilson, N.C., 27896, and other times at the residence.
Online condolences may be made at www.shingletonfh.com.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on May 20, 2010 1:47 PM