Nellie Wells' Obituary
Nellie Mae Wells, 97, of Columbia, Missouri, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at Caring Hearts and Hands Hospice House.
Nellie Mae Wells was born on November 9, 1928, in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, to the union of Jesse and Ada Wells. She was a devoted homemaker and a dedicated foster parent for most of her life, opening her heart and home to raise and nurture numerous children. Her life was marked by love, sacrifice, and a deep commitment to caring for others.
Nellie was a faithful member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Sikeston, Missouri, until she relocated to Columbia. She later became a member of Progressive Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Rodrick L. Williams Sr., where she remained until her passing.
She leaves to cherish her memory and celebrate her life her loving sister, Hazel Veal of Victorville, California; her sons, Johnnie Wells, James (Debbie) Tillman, and Leroy Tillman, all of Columbia, Missouri, Ivory (Vickie) Tillman of Port St. Lucie, Florida, and Willie Lee (Lou Ann) Tillman of Moore Haven, Florida; and her daughters, Bobbie (AJ) Jones of Wichita, Kansas, Emma (Lee) Smith and Melissa Tillman, both of Columbia, Missouri, Joann (George) Scott of Orlando, Florida, and Willie Kay Tillman of Villa Rica, Georgia. She also leaves behind her beloved daughter-in-law Jackie Hinton, dear friend, Nancy Smith, and her devoted caregiver and friend, Rosetta Walton; 21 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, 11 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Ada Wells; her brothers, Jesse, Willie, Leon, and Leroy Wells; her daughter, Shirley Barnes; and her son, Sammie Hinton.
Private family visitation will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026, at H.T. May & Son Funeral Home in Boonville, MO. Public visitation will be held Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Progressive Missionary Baptist Church in Columbia, Missouri. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 p.m. Interment will be at Columbia Cemetery.
The family extends sincere appreciation to Caring Hearts and Hands of Columbia and to her devoted caregiver and dear friend, Rosetta Walton, for their exceptional care and compassion.
A repast will be held at NALC Union Hall, 2111 Burlington St, Columbia, MO 65202 immediately following the interment.
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