Joann Wells

Redding - Joann Wells, age 82, passed peacefully on February 20, 2019; surrounded by family, she ended her battle with Alzheimers in her home at Lavender Hills Assisted Living. Widowed in 2011, Joann rejoins her husband of 55 years, Nolan Wells. She was born in Morton, TX on November 22, 1936 to Rube and Dixie Tipton, the third of five children. She graduated with Visalia Senior High School's 1954 class in Visalia, CA. Joann was a lifelong learner, giving herself to the study of Theology as both student and teacher. She was a celebrated teacher for 60+ years at Pepperdine Bible Lectures, youth camps, and various women's conferences throughout the west coast. Beyond her love of scripture, Joann was an acclaimed homemaker, raising five daughters, managing in-home daycare, and practicing generous hospitality to everyone she met. Those who had the pleasure of knowing Joann enjoyed her quick wit, creative writing, love of music, and delicious cooking. She earned the adoring nickname "MamaJo" - a name started by her grandchildren, but used extensively by all who felt an immediate sense of "family" by her extraordinary love and generosity.

Joann is survived by her five daughters, Allyson Thann Boyce (John), Kelli Wells-Nicolay, Jamie Nixon (Dennis), Erin Baker (Phil), Brook Magrini (Eric), her twelve grandchildren, and fifteen great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be available at McDonald's Chapel on March 5th from 5:00-7:00pm.

Family, friends, and others who loved Joann are invited to the Anderson Church of Christ on March 9th, 2019 at 1:00pm to reminisce, celebrate, grieve, laugh, sing, and pay tribute to a life well lived and a race well run.