Venita Carmen Wells, 91, was called home to be with the Lord on Monday, December 8, 2014, at Unity Point Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. A Memorial Service celebrating Venita’s life was held at 10 am on Saturday, December 13, at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Des Moines of which she was a member. A private committal service will take place at a later date.
Venita was born on September 28, 1923 in Des Moines, Iowa to Gilbert and Ethel (Fountain) Quincy. She graduated with a B.A. degree from Drake University. On April 23, 1943, Venita was united in marriage to William W. Wells, and to this union three sons were born. For many years, she was employed as a medical secretary with the former Iowa Methodist Hospital and Internal Medical Clinic, both in Des Moines; and as an instructor with DMACC, retiring in 2006. Venita was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the Women’s Club, of which she formerly served as president. For several years, Venita also had served as a board member of the Y.W.C.A.
A mentor to many, Venita’s warmth and passion shined as she so lovingly enjoyed helping, nurturing and teaching all of her students. She was a loving, caring and devoted mother, sister, grandmother, mentor and friend; Venita will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
She leaves to cherish her memory one sister, Ernestine Walker of Lakeland, FL; her three sons, William Jr. (Karen) Wells of Eden Prairie, MN, and Steven (Janice) Wells and Andre Wells both of Des Moines; eight grandchildren, Kesia Wells of Des Moines, Stephany (Paul) Harrison of Houston, TX, William “Wes” III (Jill) Nygren Wells of Crystal, MN, Winston (Alona) Wells of Newark, NJ, Isaiah Davis of Chicago, IL, and Andre Wells Jr., Adrian (Corissa) Wells and Ashley Wells all of Des Moines; six great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Venita was preceded into eternal life by her parents; husband, William W. Wells, Sr.; one sister, Launa Newman; and brother, Morrell Quincy.
In lieu of flowers, the family has respectfully requested that any memorial contributions be made to the Venita Wells Memorial Fund for the family to designate later for a scholarship fund at Des Moines Area Community College. Memorials may be sent directly to Iles Dunn’s Chapel, 2121 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312.
Online condolences may be shared at IlesCares.com.
Reach the MSR staff at msrnewsonline@spokesman-recorder.com.