Mary Wells

 

Mary Alice Wells was born on February 2, 1936 to Rosie Lee (Sims) and Early Reed, Sr. in Blytheville, Arkansas.

“Mae, as she was affectionately known to close friends, resided in Gary, Indiana with her husband of 63 years, Mr. Samuel Wells, Jr.  She was a proud mother, and a loving grandmother and great-grandmother. 

Mae was a devoted member of Van Buren Baptist Church in Gary, Indiana. She previously served on the Hospitality Committee.

She was the owner of Mae’s Barber Shop and Moochie’s Beauty Salon for 29 years. She is beloved by her many faithful clients, and host to neighborhood children that she introduced to the world of employment, as well as many other employees. She received an official citation from the Gary Common Council for contributing to the Economic Growth of the city of Gary, as she believed true wealth rested in the relationships she built out of a spirit of community, and the enhancement of life for all residents.  

Mary Alice was recognized in the Who’s Who Directories of America and received numerous awards for her distinguished service to the community, most notably from Lovell’s Barber College and Twin City Barber College.

Mary Alice served as Treasurer of the Urban League Block Club. She was a recipient of the ‘Woman’s Worth Award’ in Indianapolis, Indiana, and the ‘Trailblazers Award’ from the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Zeta Theta Zeta Chapter, Gary, Indiana.

Mary Alice exchanged time for eternity on Wednesday, December 21, 2022. She is preceded in death by both parents, brothers Early Reed, Jr. and Clarence Reed, and daughter, Patricia Ann (Levi) Brown. Father-in-law Samuel Wells, Sr., Mother-in-law Clara Wells, and Sister-in-law Jackie Elfreeze.

She leaves her memory and legacy to be cherished by her husband of 63 years, Mr. Samuel Wells, Jr.; daughters Marie (Levi) Swayne and Toni Hall (John Colter). Loving grandchildren Romel (Mariatu) Swayne and Dana Hall, great-granddaughter, Clarke Allieusa-Marie Swayne. Beloved nephew, Lino George (Liz) Johnson, and bonus son Kevin Prince, Sr., bonus daughters, Daphne Lenoir, Ruth Jelks, Renita Kibler and Diane House-Lee; best friend, Mildred Cromartie, sisters Arbelia Caruthers, Viola Joiner and Earnestine Shipman, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.