Opal Jeanette Wells

May 21, 2026

Opal Jeanette Wells, lovingly known as Jeanette, Momma, and Memaw, passed away peacefully on May 16th, 2026 at the age of 88. She was born on February 5th, 1938 in Geneva County, Alabama to the late Adolph and Daisy Lee Shields. Opal Jeanette was raised with strong values that shaped her into a woman of compassion, strength, and unwavering biblical love for her family and all of those around her. She was the gold standard of wife, mother, sister, and friend. Opal Jeanette married the love of her life, John A. Wells Jr., and their marriage, so full of adventure, lasted nearly 6 decades before the passing of John. It was a true testament to commitment, partnership, and enduring love. John preceded her in death in 2016 and her beloved son Kevin in 2021. Opal Jeanette longed to be reunited with the both of them. They were a family built on faith, love, and devotion.

In addition to her husband, parents, and son, Opal Jeanette was preceded in death by her siblings: Rudolph Shields, Raydolph Shields, and Annette Lawrence. She is survived by grandchildren, Hunter and Colby Wells; sister, Juliette Amendolare; brother, Randy Shields; and daughter-in-love, Sabrina Wells.

She was a proud grandmother to Hunter Wells and Colby Wells, whose lives will carry on her loving legacy. She dedicated all her adult years as a homemaker and part-time employee of American Greeting Cards. From her legendary biscuits n’ chocolate, savory dinners, bandaging boo boos, catching fish, and the wealth of quality time she gave to her family, words do not suffice to describe the impact this woman had on our lives. As Eric Church said, she loves us like Jesus does.

A woman of deep faith, Opal Jeanette was a devoted member of Pleasant Home Primitive Baptist Church where she found great comfort, fellowship, and spiritual strength in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Her faith guided her life and was evident in her kindness, patience, and the biblical love she freely shared with others.

Opal Jeanette will be remembered as a loving wife, devoted mother, and proud grandmother. Though she will be deeply missed her family takes comfort in knowing she is reunited with her beloved husband John and son Kevin and is resting in eternal peace.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 21st at Faith Chapel North with Brother Gerald Manning from Pleasant Home Primitive Baptist Church officiating. Visitation will begin at 2pm and service will follow at 3pm. There will not be a graveside service following.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Obituaries 

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