Joni Wells
1941 - 2025
In Loving Memory of Joni Wells
April 27, 1941, to July 20, 2025
Joni Wells passed peacefully at home on Sunday morning, July 20, surrounded by the love of her family. She was 84. Summer, her favorite time of year, was the perfect season for her to rest in peace and rise in glory.
Her kitchen was a sanctuary of comfort and tradition, where family and friends enjoyed her famous cornbread dressing and unforgettable pimento cheese. Her cooking always felt like home and brought people together, and it will continue to keep her memory alive.
A self-taught, unique artist, Joni expressed her creativity through quirky, whimsical paintings that reflected the way she noticed and appreciated life. She also had a giving spirit, knitting hundreds of hats for friends, our neighbors experiencing homelessness, babies at the hospital, and missions outreach efforts at church. At church, she was part of a group who lovingly created handmade Care Notes to offer encouragement and support to those walking through illness, grief, or difficult times.
She found deep joy and fellowship in her sanctuary and handbell choirs, where she cherished singing alongside her beloved siblings Joe and Jerri, who were not only her family, but her best friends.
In her final years, Joni faced three separate cancers with astonishing courage and quiet dignity. She met each challenge with grace and faith, thankfully remaining remarkably symptom-free. Her resilience and perseverance through it all were nothing short of inspiring. She was a walking miracle. She embodied kindness, generosity, creativity, humility, and love that touched all who knew her. Her absence will be deeply felt.
Her priority was always her family, especially her grandchildren, Dalton and Madeline, who were a constant source of pride and joy. She is survived by her daughter Kelly (Billy), son Brian, siblings Jerri and Jim, and many cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at First Baptist on Fifth in downtown Winston-Salem on Sunday, September 28, 2025.
In lieu of flowers or food, gifts can be made to First Baptist on Fifth and Trellis Supportive Care (Hospice), both in Winston-Salem.
Holding the family in God’s healing hands; praying for peace, comfort and strength. Ruth Getz
Oh my!! Joni was so very special to me when we were together in Rockingham. We were linked by our passion for crafty projects. Mine were never as top notch and as perfect as Joni’s because she was a master, but that never stopped me from appreciating her talent and her from always complimenting mine. Just recently I had moved a special wood craft that she had done for me to a place where I could see it better. I texted her to tell her what I had done and Kelly told me she was comatose and not doing well! I asked Kelly to please tell her what I had written. Even tho’ Kelly said that Joni didn’t respond, she died soon after. I have to think that she was waiting for me to show my love for her. We joined together with all our “stuff” and sold some of it at craft fairs. Fun, fun! Not only was she crafty but I still make and serve her “Must go” soup!! Love you Joni! See you when I get there!!
Joni was a dear friend. We started the same day in 1989 At Wake Forest Baptist. Our chosen spot was the post-graduate RN training program. We loved the OR, surgeons, anesthesiologists, CRNA & our fellow nurse colleagues.
We had fun, watched our kids grow up, and laughed and cried together.
I’ll never forget we were working in the same OR the day she got the call Dalton had been born.
We were so excited.
I spent many hours on Joni’s porch drinking tea and wine.
She made pimento cheese for me any time I was sick or sad.
We had a wonderful group of nurse and staff friends that always took turns celebrating each other’s birthdays in our different homes. Joni made a fantastic salmon!
One year 6 nurses took a whitewater rafting trip together. Joni was right there on the raft paddling away.
After we were finished with the run our guide commented on how well we followed instructions and worked so well together. We reminded him we were all OR nurses used to working with each other every day.
After Joni left the OR we continued our friendship.
There are friends for a reason, friends for a season and friends for a lifetime- that was Joni.
I loved her and will
miss her terribly.
Kelly and Brian,
We were so sad to hear about the loss of your mom. Joni and all your family will forever hold a special place in the hearts of the Wilbun’s. She was a special lady, and your write up of her captured her perfectly! We are lifting you all up in prayer.
Love and hugs from Virginia,
Amy Hubbard