Phyllis Jean Wells

Rocky Mount - 

With her devoted family by her side, Phyllis Jean Wells finished her journey here and awoke in the presence of her Savior Wednesday morning, April 1, 2026, at the age of 77.

With simple beginnings in Halifax County, North Carolina, Phyllis was born in the baby boomer era on April 6, 1948, the second child of Charlie and Sallie Cooke Wells. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Chris Wells and sister, Jennifer Sue Wells.

She grew to become a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, dear friend, and most importantly, a disciple of Jesus. She spent her life looking for opportunities to share the love she shared with Christ. She put her servant’s heart to work in many capacities, volunteering with recovery programs, benevolence ministries, and wherever a need arose. Never looking for attention, but always eager to serve, Phyllis quietly stepped in and did what she could to help others. Together with Wayne, they were an amazing force of God’s loving hands at work. There was no need so great that Phyllis and Wayne couldn’t help with, pray for and love through. They saw every need as an opportunity to show Jesus. From stockpiling household items for donations to cooking and feeding at all kinds of events, especially those delicious grits, Phyllis was simply devoted to caring. And she did it all with love, humility, and gratitude.

And her love and compassion weren’t limited to people. Phyllis had a special place in her heart for all of God’s creation, especially those of the feline variety. Somehow, the neighborhood cats, often strays and ferals, recognized something in Phyllis that drew them to her. She lovingly cared for, fed, and nursed each one that showed up at her house. She even became known as a safe place for “drop offs” and never turned one away.

We’re going to miss Phyllis in a way that will bring unexpected tears, but also deep gratitude and blessed assurance of seeing her again. "Come, Jesus, come!"

Phyllis leaves a lifetime of treasured memories for her beloved husband, Wayne “Daddy Wayne” Wells; daughter, Melissa Wells Phillips (Bill) of Springville, Indiana; siblings, Rebecca “Becky” Wells Teel (Fred) of Wilmington, Charlene Wells Rose (Thomas) of Tennessee and Charlie Martin Wells, II (Martha) of Greenville; brother-in-law, Donald Wells (Cathy) of Stella; along with her Englewood Church family and many close friends.

She adored being a grandmother to Courtney Outlaw (Dennis) and Ashley Phillips Kelly (Tyler), all of Indiana and great-grandmother to Lizzie, Trey, Savannah, Remi and Peyton.

She will also be missed by a special circle of extended family that includes her nephews, Chris Rose, Brandon Tabarrini, Dana Tabarrini; nieces, Stephanie Rose Engel (Kevin), Jennifer Teel, Carolyn Govan (Patrick), Mary Beth Harris (Derrick), Rachel Boyd (Kevin), and Leslie Parrish (Andrew); great-nieces and nephews, Kayla Marie Rose, Stella Govan, Olivia Harris, Hunter James Engel, Landon Thomas Engel, Wells Boyd, and Zach Govan.

Please join family and friends for a Celebration of Phyllis’ Life at 2:00 pm, Monday, April 6, 2026, at Englewood Baptist Church, 1350 S Winstead Ave, Rocky Mount, NC 27803. The family will receive friends prior to the service, beginning at 1:00 pm. Livestream Here

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Englewood Baptist Church, 1350 S Winstead Ave, Rocky Mount, NC 27803.