Shirley Ann Spencer Wells

Shirley Ann Spencer Wells died March 1, 2024, in Burleson, Texas. Shirley was born June 19, 1935, in Fort Worth, Texas to Charles E. and Grace Spencer. She attended Technical High School where she met her husband, Eddie Lee Wells. They married in 1951 in Fort Worth when he was 18 and she was 16. They were blessed with four children, David Lee, Christine Ann, Debra Marie, and Phillip Ray. They resided in Fort Worth and Burleson until 1965 when they moved to Chicago, Illinois, so that Eddie could attend McCormick Theological Seminary. They were members of Hemphill Presbyterian Church at that time. They returned to Texas in 1968, living in San Angelo, Gainesville, and El Paso. They lived in Louisiana and Arkansas, finally returning to Texas in 1991.

Shirley described herself as “a child of God, wife, mother, friend, and Texan.” She was very proud of her Texas heritage, even though she was only a third generation Texan. She spent many years researching and documenting her ancestors. Her grandfather was a Texas Ranger in 1873 during the Indian Wars. She was also proud of her Swedish heritage having a grandfather who emigrated from Sweden to Manor, Texas, in 1887.

Shirley’s greatest joy was being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She always said that her children had exceeded all the expectations she had for them. She felt that they were God’s gift to her. Shirley loved being a homemaker and a support to her husband and children. She had a great sense of humor and was able to laugh at herself. 

Shirley enjoyed entertaining with dinners, brunches, and barbecues for their congregations. She did volunteer work with social concerns in Louisiana and was a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children in the 33rd Judicial District. She was a Presbyterian elder and served on many committees in the church. 

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Eddie. She is survived by David Wells and wife Miriam, Christine Benson, Debra Erbes, Phillip Wells and wife Patricia Kneblick, 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and sister, Billie Williamson.

Shirley’s memorial service will be at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 7001 Trail Lake Dr., Fort Worth, on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to Community Healthcare of Texas Hospice House, the facility at which Shirley passed her final hours.