Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Jaann Lee Wells, beloved wife, mother and grandmother passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026 with her husband by her side at the age of 81. Born on March 3, 1945 in Fort Worth Texas, Jaann was the daughter of the late Jimmy Landrine Burton and Mary Beasley Amenda.
In 1962, Jaann moved to Ozark and met her lifelong love Nigel Wells on a blind date. They were married on June 3, 1966 and would have celebrated 60 years of marriage this year. Their vows were renewed during a trip to Israel in 2020 by The Reverend Eric Fuller. Together they built a life in Ozark while raising their children, working and being involved in their churches and other community organizations.
Jaann enjoyed a lifelong pursuit of learning and teaching. A 1964 graduate of Carroll High School, she went on to earn her degree from The University of Alabama in 1968 with a major in Early Childhood Education and a minor in Art. She later earned both a Masters in Education and Education Specialist graduate degree from Troy University.
For over 35 years, her career in education spanned across the Ozark City and Dale County school systems. She taught at Emma P. Flowers Elementary School, the Soldier Reading program at Fort Rucker and George W. Long School. She also served as Vice Principal and Principal at Eastgate Middle School and Principal at Joseph W. Lisenby Elementary School until she retired in 2011. Among her notable accomplishments was securing a grant to establish a computer lab in the 1980’s at George W. Long, a forward-thinking initiative at the time, and helping lead its implementation while also advising the yearbook staff.
Her life was defined by her faith that began with attending Gaston Avenue Baptist Church in Dallas with her favorite grandmother Blanche Beasley. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church for over 50 years by teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, participating in bible studies, the Lois Robinson Circle, and the church and hand bell choirs.
In addition to supporting her children’s activities, she was also a member Beta Sigma Phi, Ozark Dale County Library Literary Club, the Arts Guild and Ann Rudd Art Center.
Her strong love of children and animals meant the Wells home was always filled activity and excitement. The family pets were not limited to cats and dogs-there were birds, goats, donkeys, horses and even a squirrel she named Snort. She had a special passion for rescue animals and welcomed many into her life over the years. Jaann also had a deep love for art and explored many different mediums including watercolor, acrylics, pastels, pottery, slumped bottles and stained glass. She especially loved sharing her creations and often gifted her artwork to friends and family. She was always eager to learn something new and to share it with others, especially her grandchildren, often creating projects for them to enjoy during visits.
Jaann maintained a remarkable sense of adventure throughout her life. She once flew to Egypt by herself to visit her daughter Allison. She and Nigel also took many road trips together including Alaska, Canada, the Tennessee mountains and The Keys to name a few. She enjoyed kayaking, racquet sports, golf and many water activities like snorkeling and waterskiing and even learned to snow ski around the age of 65. Her curiosity and adventurous spirit extended to music as well, as she explored mandolin lessons and playing the dulcimer.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Nigel Eben Wells II; her loving daughters and son, Kimberly Blanche Wells Gordon (Scott), Allison Lee Wells Draper (Thomas), Angela Carol Wells Ganey (Brandon) and Nigel Eben Wells III (Ashlie); her adored grandchildren Tripp and Beasley Gordon, Ansley and Josiah Draper, Callie, Emmy and Wells Ganey, Eben and Elle Wells.
She was preceded in death by her parents and step-father Arnold John Amenda, Sr., her beloved grandmother Blanche Hamilton Beasley, her sister Susan Burton Loretta, her brother Arnold John Amenda, Jr. and her sister-in-law Sylvia Carol Wells.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at Madison Heights Memory Care in Enterprise and Compassus Hospice Care for their support and care.
A funeral service was held at Ozark Baptist Church on Monday, March 16, 2026 with The Reverend Eric Fuller presiding and interment followed at Westview Cemetery with Holman Funeral Home directing. The family received friends at Holman Funeral Home for a visitation on Sunday, March 15 with a Sunday Night Sing to follow at The Warehouse. A recording of the funeral service is available on the Ozark Baptist Church Alabama YouTube.com channel.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ozark Baptist Church, 282 South Union Avenue, Ozark, AL 36360; Trinity Methodist Church, 246 Church Avenue, Ozark, AL 36360 or a favorite charity of your choice.
The legacy Jaann leaves is one of love, faith and compassion. Her joy and passion for learning, teaching and sharing will live on through the many lives she touched, leaving behind a world made brighter by her kindness and generosity.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HolmanFuneralHome.com
