Joy Graham Wells' Obituary
Gloria Joy Graham Wells, 89, passed away peacefully at home with family November 16, 2020, in Memphis, Tennessee. A private family funeral mass will be held November 21, 2020, at Church of the Holy Spirit in Memphis and interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Joy was born July 12, 1931, in Biloxi, Mississippi to Archie and Georgia Graham. She graduated from Biloxi High School in 1949 and attended the University of Mississippi where she was a member of Kappa Delta sorority and met her husband of almost 70 years, Judge Buford E. “Boochie” Wells. Following Buford’s graduation from law school, Joy and Buford settled in Memphis where they raised five children. She was an agent with the Crye-Leike real estate firm in the early 80’s.
Joy was a consummate gardener and very active in the Kirby Woods Garden Club. She loved early American style antiques and often went on adventures with friends to barns in rural areas to bring back treasures she would refinish herself. She enjoyed playing piano, particularly during family jam sessions during holidays with Buford manning the drums. Joy was in a bridge club with lifelong friends. She loved to sew and knit and was in a sewing club with dear friends. She made the best seafood gumbo known to man. Joy was very active in parish and school activities at St. Louis Catholic Church and School. Later in life, she was active at Church of the Holy Spirit. She was a lifelong member of Madonna Circle. Her Catholic faith was unwavering and a source of inspiration to her entire family. Her name matched her personality as she was a joy to be around.
She was predeceased last month by her husband, Buford, whom she wed January 26, 1951, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in New Orleans. She was also predeceased by her brothers, Archie and Elliot Graham. She is survived by five children, Buford Graham Wells, Brian David Wells, Jeffrey Paul Wells, Jennifer Wells Neeld (Jim) and John Joseph Wells (Kara). Joy was blessed with nine grandchildren including David Patrick Wells (Mindy), Daniel Bryan Wells (Tamara), Jason Paul Wells (Ashley), Allison Joy Wells, James Harvey Neeld, V, Christopher Wells Neeld (Laken), Graham Seward Neeld, Sean Patrick Wells and Christopher Joseph Wells, as well as eight great grandchildren, two nephews and a niece.
The family would like to thank Dr. Robert Kraus, Sadie Johns, Kelly Harris and the staff at Methodist Healthcare Hospice for their kind care for Joy, and neighbors Ray and Sue Brakebill for helping in so many ways.
Memorials may be sent to Haiti Medical Missions of Memphis c/o Church of the Holy Spirit, 2300 Hickory Crest Dr., Memphis, TN 38119 or Catholic Charities, P.O. Box 41955, Memphis TN 38174.
What’s your fondest memory of Joy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joy?
Share a story where Joy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joy you’ll never forget.
How did Joy make you smile?