Mary Nell Wells

Mary Nell Wells of Valdosta, Georgia passed away Wednesday, July 29, 2020 at the age of 96 while residing at the Arbor Terrace of Johns Creek in Suwanee, Georgia. She was born January 20, 1924 in Clyattville, Georgia to the late Rufus and Bessie Mae Arnold Johnson. She was a graduate of Clyattville High School and was a varsity basketball player
In 1952, she and her husband, Leo F. Wells, Jr. opened the first Dairy Queen in Georgia, located in Valdosta. Mary Nell was the proud owner/operator of that successful establishment that won many awards and accolades for 35 years. She and Leo traveled extensively upon their retirement and Mary Nell was always known for her outgoing, exuberant personality and her generous heart. She and Leo were faithful members of Central Church of Christ.
She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Leo III and Angie Wells of Alpharetta, Georgia, and Kenyon and Cathy Wells of Lexington, South Carolina; one daughter and son-in-law, Debra and Bill Brown, Jr. of Valdosta; her seven grandchildren and their spouses, Leo IV and Anna Wells, and Cameron and Nicole Wells all of Cumming, Georgia, Kendall and James Pickens of Batesburg, South Carolina, J. Kenyon and Melanie Wells of Greenville, South Carolina, Sarah and Patrick Knapp of Houston, Texas, MaryWells and Trey Smith of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and Anna Haillie Brown of Valdosta; her sixteen great-grandchildren, Lucy Wells, Jenna Wells, Thomas Stocks, Caroline Pickens, Sarah Pickens, Lillian Pickens, Rosaleigh Wells, Cashion Wells, Brandon Knapp, Aiden Knapp, Catie Grace Knapp, Fiona Smith, G. (Glenn) Smith IV, Meredith Smith, Alice Pennuell, and L.J. (Leo) Pennuell; her brother and sister-in-law, Gene and Carolyn Johnson, and many special nieces, nephews and beloved friends Dorothy Goodloe and Dave and Betty Jones and Mary Lilla Dumas. She was preceded in death by her husband of 73 years, Leo F. Wells, Jr., brothers Charles R Johnson, Julian E. Johnson, J. Winston Johnson and sister Beatrice K. Johnson Sherwood.
Services for Mary Nell Wells will be held at 3:00 on Sunday, August 16, 2020 at Central Church of Christ with Mr. John Klimko officiating. The family will receive friends there at 1:30 prior to the service. As Mary Nell particularly loved wearing hats, we are inviting all ladies to don their own favorite hat for the memorial service.
All CDC guidelines and precautions pertaining to COVID will be encouraged and facilitated. Additional hand sanitizer, surface wipes, and face coverings will be made available for guests.
Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com.