of Fort Smith, AR

September 7, 1925 - August 6, 2021

Mary Lucille Wells Martin went home to Jesus on August 6, 2021 at age 95. She passed to her heavenly home surrounded by loved ones.

Mary Lucille was born to Celia King and Edward Tipton Vardaman on September 7, 1925 in Coal Hill, Arkansas, and she later graduated from Clarksville High School. She grew up with four siblings, Lorena Vardaman Bean, Jim Vardaman, Lois Vardaman Simms and E.T. (Edward Tip) Vardaman.

Lucy and Robert Paul Wells had 3 children, James Robert, John Paul, and Sandra Louise. They put down roots in Paris, Arkansas, where they opened Wells Furniture Company and raised their family.

In addition to being a dedicated and loving mother, Lucy was an astute and hard-working business woman. She brought her care and concern for others into her work by creating a friendly atmosphere, always welcoming her customers and wanting them to have a great experience at the store.

Lucy's faith in Jesus Christ led her to host a Monday night Bible study in her home and to serve in various capacities at First Baptist Church of Paris. She was a prayer warrior and a faithful listener to many friends and family who will miss her loving and encouraging words of wisdom. Lucy desired to point others to Jesus, who is the Good Shepherd that protects, provides, leads and cares for His people.

Throughout her life, Lucy was blessed with many special friendships and Lucy was a loyal and trustworthy friend. She had a fun-loving spirit that made her a joy to be around. She enjoyed entertaining and hosting family and friends in her home. She was hospitable and had a special gift of making others feel welcome and as if they were the only ones in the room.

Lucy married Leslie Paul Martin on January 13, 1990 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Lucille and Paul were married for 15 years, and they greatly enjoyed traveling and spending time with their family.

Family was so important to Lucille. She deeply loved her three children and their spouses. She was blessed with nine grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren who affectionately call her Nana! Some of their favorite times together were Christmas Eve and Easter at Nana's house. For many years, she has been the matriarch of her family and she dearly loved all of those who call her ''Aunt Lucy.'' Her grace, kindness, and love has been a source of strength for her family and her presence will be greatly missed.

Lucy aged gracefully; she was beautiful inside and out. She had a sense of style and elegance, and her hair was always in place! She had a youthfulness that allowed her to adapt and change with the times, from texting to commenting on social media, she desired to stay connected to others. Her phone was always ringing with friends and family checking on her and wanting to talk and share with her.

Throughout her health journey, many people have provided care for Lucy. Her family is deeply thankful for their love and concern, especially the hospice team and our special ''angels,'' Karla, Juanita and Esmeralda, that have helped care for Miss Lucy in her final days.

Lucille was preceded in death by her spouse Leslie Paul Martin, her great grandchild, Jay Collin Wells, and her four siblings.

Lucy leaves a legacy of family members that she loved. She is survived by two sons, James Robert Wells and wife Carla, John Paul Wells and wife Michele, all of Paris, Arkansas; one daughter, Sandra Friddle and husband Carl of Fort Smith, Arkansas; two stepdaughters, Linda G. Martin of Lake Ridge, Virginia and Paula Martin Rutherford of Alexandria, Virginia; nine grandchildren, James Creed Wells and Robert Craig Wells of Paris, Arkansas, John Kirby Wells (wife Cristin) of Fort Worth, Texas, Eric Paul Wells (wife Mandy), John Cory Wells (wife Jill), and Robert Colby Wells (wife Karalee), all of Paris, Arkansas, Angie Friddle of Dallas, Texas, Ali Friddle Davis (husband Justin) of Brentwood, Tennessee, and Carl Cody Friddle (wife Kathryn) of Alexandria Virginia; step grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; step great-grandchildren; along with numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Visitation with Lucille's family will be Friday, August 13, 2021 from 5:00 to 6:30 pm at First Baptist Church, 311 East Main Street, Paris, Arkansas. Lucille's Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 2:00 pm. at First Baptist Church, Paris, Arkansas. Interment will follow the service at Oakwood Cemetery.

To be a part of Lucille's service through livestream please go to "Roller Funeral Home Paris" Facebook page where the livestream will begin at 2:00 p.m.

Memorial donations can be made to First Baptist Church, Paris, Arkansas.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller Funeral Home
1700 East Walnut Street
Paris, AR  72855
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com