Sistie Wells

Iola “Sistie” Shearin Wells, 91, died Friday, April 18, 2025, in Clayton, NC. The family will receive friends from 6:00PM-8:00PM, Monday, April 21, 2025 at Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Benson, NC. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00AM, Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at Benson Methodist Church in Benson, NC. 

She was born in Roseboro, NC, on September 22, 1933. She was preceded in death by her husband, Franklin Ennis Wells Sr.; her son, Franklin Ennis Wells Jr.; her parents, Docia Florence Spell Shearin and Wilbur Thaddeus Shearin Sr.; and her brother, Wilbur Thaddeus “Sonny” Shearin Jr. She is survived by her daughter, Annah Shearin Wells, of Benson, NC; her daughter-in-law, Gay Galloway Wells, of Asheboro, NC; and granddaughters Annah Stuart, Emily Docia, and Mary Franklin “Molly” Wells. She is also survived by a number of other family members she loved dearly.

She grew up in Roseboro, North Carolina, where she also met her future husband, Franklin. For twelve years, they sat in the same classrooms – she the bright and determined valedictorian; he, the good-natured athlete who could always make her laugh. Their love was quiet and steady, built on years of friendship. He proposed to her the night the Tar Heels won the 1957 championship, and no one would look at her ring because they were too busy celebrating the win. They were married that June and remained true partners in life and love.

She graduated from the Woman’s College of the University of North Carolina (now UNCG) before teaching at Myrtle Underwood Elementary in Raleigh. After starting her family, she left the classroom and took on the role she’s most remembered for. She and Franklin worked together at Warren Drug in Benson for more than 40 years, where she became a beloved fixture in the community. Franklin used to say that Sistie was his ‘secret weapon’ and the reason he had a good business. She was like a second mother to the many employees and children who came through the store; she had a way of making people feel like family. 

Sistie was a kind and gentle mother, guiding Frank and Annah with patience and unwavering love. Her expectations were high, and her children knew to rise to them. When her children weren’t sure what the right thing to do was, they looked to her example and always found the answer. She and Franklin instilled in them the belief that they could do anything, and their steady encouragement gave them the confidence to pursue their best. To her daughter Annah, she was not just a mother, but a best friend, always by her side and someone she could always count on.

For 62 years, she was a devoted member of Benson Methodist Church. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. She taught Sunday school, directed the children’s choir, led the Circle of Love for many years, and sang joyfully in the choir. She was always quick to welcome a new face at church and never hesitated to lend a hand with fundraisers or luncheons.

But above all, being a mother and grandmother was one of the greatest joys of her life. Her love knew no bounds. Her legacy will live on in the songs she sang, the lessons she taught, and the kindness she spread like sunshine.

She was dearly loved, and she will be deeply missed.

Arrangements by Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Benson, NC.