Obituary of Betty Jean Wells

On July 4^th, 2021, Betty Jean Wells, 86, went home to Jesus.  With loved ones all over the country, Jean had many by her side as she passed on in Taveres, Florida where she lived.

Betty Jean Bracknell was born on July 29, 1934 in Pompano Beach, Florida.  Jean, as she preferred to be called, loved home and family above all things.

Arriving in God’s arms before her were Her beloved, Grandparents, William L. Bracknell & Mercie Dell Green, her parents, Walter Leland Bracknell and, Claudia Johnson; Sisters, Mildred Dell Sidelinker and, Joanne Pyfrom Christie; and three grandchildren, Jennifer Lynn Amato, David Thomas Amato and Daniel Kelley O’Brien.

Surviving Jean was her childhood sweetheart and husband Marion Henry Wells; their children, Solyne Diane Wells and former wife Audrine, Barbara Dawn and husband Thomas Amato, Carol Lynn, her former husband Robert Coons, James Henry Wells and, former wife Patricia Jones and Laura Jeanne and her husband Robert Scifo;

Their grandchildren, Melissa Wells and her husband Oscar Hernandez, Todd David Amato and his wife Christina Bennett, Kristy AnnMarie Amato and her husband Laurence Lawlor, Krista Leanne Coons and her husband Rudy Abac Ordonez, Kyle Coons and his wife Chiaki, Rebecca Nicole Coons and her husband Ryan Dail, Jeremey Coons, Kristopher Gurbey, Kellie Jean Wells, Kevin James Wells, David Herbert O’Brien Jr and his wife Libby Francesca Jordan, Michelle Renee Terry and her husband Christopher Terry Sr.

Their Great Grandchildren: Thomas Edward Amato, Felicity Skye Lawlor, Khloee Rae Bolta, Hayden Scott Lemkee, Arya Sophia Abac Ordonez, Lucas Victoriano Abac Ordonez, Nadyia Elizabeth Abac Ordonez, Rylan Skye Dail, Iris Lynn Coons, Oliver Noah Coons, Krystalena Lynn Wells, Briana Nicole Price, Bradford Charles Price, Logan Alexander O’Neal, Ryleigh Mae Wells, Baylee Alexandra Terry, Christopher Scott Terry Jr., Mackenzie Rose Terry, Amelia Grace Terry, Alix O’Brien, Nicholas Anthony Scifo Jr., Khloee June Scifo,  and Zoey Marie Scifo.

Her sister Louise Wilson, her sister-in-Law Dorothy Wells, her husband Sam, as well as, her many beloved nieces and nephews.

At 3 years old Jean contracted Polio, her parents were told to prepare for the worst, however Jean has always been feisty and she pulled through.  The Polio did damage to her legs and, she was never supposed to walk.  Jean proved them wrong again. Using braces, crutches and later nothing, Jean learned to walk. Jean was one of the earlier March of Dimes Poster Children.

As a young woman, Jean was a Candy Striper, and she learned to sew, at which she became skilled.  From wedding dresses to Covid masks, Jean loved sewing.

Jean worked for Sears, Marriot, American Teachers Association and Sienna College among others. However, nothing was more important than her family.

Jean and Bud (Marion) were married and had their beautiful times, from holding hands under the cherry blossoms in Washington DC, to holding their 5 newborn children and later talking about their many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Jean’s strong personality and strength followed her through her life. With an indominable spirit she overcame struggles, heartaches and still lived her life fully each and every day.

Her closest family will gather at 3:00pm on July 10^th at the Heirs-Baxley Funeral Home, located at, 3975 Wedgewood Lane, The Villages, Florida, to celebrate her life and love.