Florence Patrice Dwyer-Wells' Obituary
Florence Patrice Dwyer Wells, 67, passed away peacefully in her home after a long illness on
February 10, 2024. She was born in Memphis, TN on November 7, 1956. Florence was the third
child of the late Judge John Thomas Dwyer, Sr and Dr. Leona DeMere.
Florence received her education from St. Louis Catholic School and Saint Agnes Academy. She
then went onto Memphis State University and received her Associate’s degree in Nursing and
Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Pre Law. She spent 3 years in Topeka, Kansas
as a Registered Nurse then moved to Richmond, Virginia where she spent a year as a Nurse. She
came back to her home in Memphis where she was a Labor and Delivery nurse at St. Francis
Hospital-Park.
Florence had many accomplishments such as Employee of the Month in 2003, was one of the
Top 100 Nurses in all of Shelby/Fayette Counties and one of the Elite 11 for Celebrate Nursing.
She was a nominee for the Jefferson Award where she was honored for community and public
volunteerism, and also received a Certificate of Appreciation for being a Tenet Disaster
Response Team Volunteer. Having also been a part of many committees and associations such as
being on the Awards Committee for Memphis Special Olympics, Daughters of the American
Revolution, Daughters of the Confederacy, and an Advocate for the Shelby County Juvenile
Courts. She was passionate about others, caring, open minded, and skilled that made her a
memorable nurse and person. Her compassion for others made nursing seem easy.
She was what you called fierce, a spitfire. She never knew a stranger and welcomed everyone
with open arms. She wasn’t only a nurse, but a wife, mother, sister, aunt, and great friend to all
who knew her. Florence never backed down from good conversation and never failed to give her
opinion as she saw fit. She will always be remembered as giving and nurturing.
In 1993, Florence met Kevin Wells while working at St. Francis and they were happily married
on September 18, 1995. Their marriage was like no other, it was like one from a storybook. The
couple were inseparable ever since, going through many ups and downs. Their love was like a
spark and since meeting later in life, they made the best of it by raising 9 children together.
Florence is survived by her husband Kevin Wells and their children: Julien Salley, Adam Salley,
Benjamin Salley, Clifton Salley, Samantha Wells, Christopher Dwyer-Wells, Joshua Wells, and
Laura Wells-Hasler. She is also survived by her siblings; brother, John Thomas Dwyer; sister;
Leona DeMere Dwyer; brother, Brian Fitzgerald Dwyer. Also survived by 6 grandchildren. She
was preceded in death by her parents Judge John Thomas Dwyer Sr. and Dr. Leona DeMere Dwyer;
sister, Anne- Clifton Bowling (Dwyer); brother, McCarthy Dwyer; son, Ronald Stephen Santi.
The funeral mass to honor her memory will take place on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 11:00
AM at the Church of the Incarnation in Collierville, Tennessee. Prior to the mass, there will be a
visitation starting at 10:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St Jude, the American Cancer Association or the
Williams Syndrome Association.
What’s your fondest memory of Florence?
What’s a lesson you learned from Florence?
Share a story where Florence's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Florence you’ll never forget.
How did Florence make you smile?