Obituary of Jacquelyn Helen Thomas Wells

Jacquelyn “Jackie” Helen Thomas Wells, 84, of Keystone Heights, FL, passed from this life on Sunday, July 12, 2020 with family by her side. Born in Felda, Florida to James Benjamin Thomas, Sr. and Myrtis Helen Lowery Thomas, she moved to Clay County in 2019 from Ocklawaha.

Growing up in rural Hendry, Lee and Collier Counties, Jackie graduated from Immokalee High School in 1954. In 1956, she married Airman William “Bill” Wells, the man she said “I knew I would marry, from the first time I laid eyes on him.” After traveling the world with their family, she settled in Ocklawaha where she worked at the Forest Public Library for over 11 years. Of the Baptist faith, Jackie led a spiritual life and was a dedicated wife, mother, and example to her extended family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, William “Bill” Wells; and seven brothers, Harold, Jimmy, Gene, Wayne, Ray, Kenneth, and Dale Thomas.

Jackie is survived by her 2 sons, Jim Wells (Mona) of Anthony and Jeff Wells (Fairen) of Lizella, GA; 2 daughters, Beverly Wells of Ocklawaha and Betsy Westra (Larry) of Keystone Heights; 3 sisters, Sylvia Chancey of Wildwood, Glenda Russell of Groveland, and Kay Holton of Ocklawaha; 9 grandchildren, Danielle, Doug, Lee, Leah, Paul, Eric, Kelly, Jamie, and Jessica; 13 great-grandchildren, Ethan, Liam, Will, Oliver, Aubrey, Grace, Kate, Alexis, Joshua, Michael, Leon, Emmy, and Alex; and too many nieces, nephews, and cousins to count.

Services honoring Jackie’s life will be held at 1pm on Friday, July 17, 2020 at Faith Baptist Church of Silver Springs (327 N Highway 314A, Silver Springs, FL 34488) with Pastor Josh Sweet officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00pm until the time of the service.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services in Ocala.