Mary Elizabeth 'Betty' Wells James

Mary Elizabeth Betty Wells James of Madisonville, Texas, passed away quietly in her home on March 10, 2017, at the age of 97. She was surrounded by family and friends at the time of her passing.
Betty was born to Thaddeus and Nobie Fair Ray on March 31, 1919, in Tyler, Texas. Later the family moved to Jacksonville, Texas, where Betty graduated from Lon Morris College with a degree in education. Her passion was drama during these formative years, and she earned numerous outstanding actress awards.
After graduation, Betty married James Columbus J.C. Wells on August 31, 1938, and moved to Madisonville. She taught typing and shorthand at Madisonville High School for a number of years, even as she enjoyed sewing, folk painting, and playing the organ in her spare time. Betty also became a devoted member of the First Methodist Church of Madisonville, and she encouraged her three children to grow their Christian faith. For all the years of her life, she inspired those who knew her with her determination, strong convictions, and generous heart. She will be fondly remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and steadying hand behind the Wells family.
Preceding Betty in death are her husbands, J.C. Wells and Ed James; son, Jimmy Wells; and sister, Maxine Harris. She is survived by her daughter, Lynn Wells Smith, and husband, Bryce; and son, Steven Ray Wells, and wife Nan. Her grandchildren include Tiffany Smith West; Lyle Smith, and wife, Jody; April Smith Evans, and husband, Jason; Lindy Wells; Jamie Wells, and husband, Jed; Clay Wells, and wife, Shannon; and Cody Wells. Additionally, her fifteen amazing great grandchildren and two great, great grandchildren brought her much joy and laughter right up until the time of her death.
Visitation will take place Monday, March 13, 10:00 AM till service time at First United Methodist Church of Madisonville. Bettys celebration of life service will be at 11:00 AM. Pastor Patricia Wehn-Glowski officiate, and internment will follow in the Madisonville City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 102 McIver Street, Madisonville; or to the Jimmy Wells Scholarship Fund at Prosperity Bank, 208 W. Main Street, Madisonville.