Nelva June Wells

Nelva June Thomas Wells, lovingly known as Momma, Granny, and Gigi, of West Columbia, Texas, passed away unexpectedly on February 10, 2026, at the age of 84. Born on June 28, 1941, in Kennard, Texas, she was the daughter of H.C. “Kick” Thomas and Ethel Lois Thomas.

Nelva graduated from West Columbia High School in 1959 and continued her education at Wharton Junior College, where she was a proud member of the Starlette Drill Team. Throughout her life, she worked in various roles in the Brazosport area, touching many lives along the way. In the 1980s, she became a well-respected substitute teacher in the West Columbia School District, where students and staff alike cherished her.

She is survived by her devoted husband and high school sweetheart of 65 years, Garland “Speedy” Wells, and their four sons, whom she adored: Michael Wells (Marcia), Allen Wells (Debra), Willie Wells (Elizabeth), and Mark Wells (Allison). Grandchildren include Wesley Wells (Karly), Josh Wells (Mariolein), Samantha Wells, Matthew Wells (Lauren), Jennifer Guerra (Dean), and David Wells (Carley). Great-grandchildren include Layne McElveen, Cole McElveen, Riley Ross, and Easton Wells. Other survivors include her brother Jerry Thomas (Margaret), brother-in-law Dennis Wells (Janet), sister-in-law Jeanie Wells, and many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews who she adored.

Nelva is preceded in death by her parents, H.C. “Kick” Thomas, Lois Thomas Covington, and Bo Covington, along with her in-laws, Garland Wells, Sr., and Faye Wells, her brother-in-law, Jerry Wells, and other beloved relatives.

Pallbearers will be Mike Wells, Allen Wells, Willie Wells, Mark Wells, Wesley Wells, Josh Wells, Mathew Wells, David Wells, and Lee Stewart.

Nelva seemed to make friends wherever she went, and she cherished her church family deeply. She was known for her compassion, her steady kindness, and her unwavering commitment to helping others. Some of her greatest joys in life were spending time with friends and family, supporting her sons in all of their sports activities, playing games on her phone, and cooking up delicious dishes and desserts to share with the people she loved.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at First Baptist Church in West Columbia, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the West Columbia First Baptist Church or the charity of your choice.