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.
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46 Condolence(s)
Scott Breed
Saturday, September 25, 2021
Sorry to learn of Lucille's passing. She was a sweet and lovable woman who lived life well evidenced by all those who loved her.
James Kent Pennington
Tuesday, August 31, 2021
Sorry to hear of Lucille's passing. A good friend to my parents and our family. A good person and sweet lady. We will miss her.
Richard hixson
Saturday, August 21, 2021
I am so very sorry to learn of Lucille’s passing. She was a gracious and kind lady. A rock in the Paris, Ar community and a friend of my mother’s. She always had a smile and open arms for friends and classmates of her children. We have all lost a great role model.
May God bless all of you who mourn her passing.
Terri Featherston Friemel
Saturday, August 21, 2021
So sorry for y'alls loss. Prayers for you all.
Barbara Powers
Sunday, August 15, 2021
I got to know Mr. an Mrs. Martin in the time I was inservice to both there care,. Mrs Martin was a strong, elegant, masterful person that was a pleasure to care an work for, she made me a better person, Thank You Lucille Martin
linda hall
Sunday, August 15, 2021
Our deepest sympathies to Lucille's family. You are all very special to our family ( Colliers ) . You are in our thoughts and prayers, praying that your wonderful memories will comfort you.
Lana Nelson
Friday, August 13, 2021
Prayers and love to the family. Lucille was more than a client and friend, she was also a mentor. Her kindness and sense of humor were so inspiring. On my many trips to Paris she always had a tuna sandwich ready for lunch. I feel so fortunate to have known her. Loved that lady and will certainly miss her.
Jim and Betsy Cotton
Friday, August 13, 2021
She was a major part of my young life. The love she shared with the Cotton Family made her our second Mother. She was a mentor, gracious neighbor, beautiful woman and an example of what a Lady should be. She will be missed, never forgotten and always in our hearts ♥️ 🙏
Brad Petz
Friday, August 13, 2021
First class lady! Always kind and considerate never leaving anyone out of the conversation. A pleasure to know and work for Mrs Wells. Heartfelt condolences to all the family with love
Cindy A. Young
Wednesday, August 11, 2021
I'm thinking that Mrs. Lucy and my mom, Dot Anderson, have already met up for coffee and visiting in heaven. I loved Mrs. Lucy and admired her so much growing up in Paris. She made great home made ice cream and one time brought me a marionette from Mexico that I treasured. Mrs. Lucy was soft spoken, a souther belle, kind, hospitable, welcoming, and one of my mom's closets friends. She leaves a huge legacy through her FAMily and all of us that knew her here and will see her again in heaven! Much love to her family, Cindy Anderson Young
Ted Darling
Wednesday, August 11, 2021
May God bless you during this time of loss. What a great investment in heaven! Praise God for this wonderful example of such a godly lady!
Linda Simon
Tuesday, August 10, 2021
The Wells family have been so good to me and mine through the years. Lucille was their heart. All who knew her were enriched by her kindness. She was a great lady. My siincere sympathy to all of her family.
Bill @ Brenda Baltz
Tuesday, August 10, 2021
So sorry for your loss!! Words can not express how we feel. Prayers for all!
Kim Trusty
Tuesday, August 10, 2021
So sorry for your loss. I have always thought Of Mrs Wells as a very elegant lady. She was always so kind
Lana Larkin
Tuesday, August 10, 2021
Lucy was so generous and kind. She always made me feel welcome.
My love, thoughts and prayers to all of her precious family.
Mary Lee stropes AmosS tropes
Tuesday, August 10, 2021
Amos and I are so sorry for your loss. He has great memories..Prayers for the family...
Tracy Smith
Tuesday, August 10, 2021
What a lovely tribute to a lovely person inside and out! Lucy is so loved by our family and will be greatly missed. She was such a wonderful example of a life well-lived and her legacy is evident in her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. We love you all and are praying for you during this difficult time.
-Tracy & Rodney
Tom & Alice Anhalt
Monday, August 9, 2021
So sorry for your loss. Lucille was a very sweet lady & she made us feel like family. She always had a smile on her face. She was a very special lady. Will miss her very much. Dear Lord Please keep your arms around all her family. She was their rock. God Bless each one of you!
Rhonda Durham
Monday, August 9, 2021
Lucy always had a smile and made you feel like she was so glad to see you. I am sure she made everyone feel that way. What a special lady she was.
Brenda K Brown
Monday, August 9, 2021
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of family and friends in your time of sadness. Prayers for all.
Valerie Clayton Andrews
Monday, August 9, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss. Praying that God will comfort you during this difficult time.
Beverly Bauer
Sunday, August 8, 2021
Lucille was such a very special lady. I has the pleasure to see her a few weeks ago getting her beautiful hair done at Shirley's . She was kind to everyone no matter who they were. Everyone loved her and I know she was loved by all her family. May God Bless you all
Jackie and Dennis Lensing
Sunday, August 8, 2021
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers for your family.
Glenda Ezell
Sunday, August 8, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss. I pray that God surrounds you with His love and peace.
Jenn Dawkins
Sunday, August 8, 2021
I’m so thankful I had the privilege to meet Nana. She was a gem- a treasure inside & out. Praying for you all as you celebrate Nana’s life and carry on her legacy. ♥️
Jewell white
Sunday, August 8, 2021
Love and prayers to Lucille Wells family. Her sweet personality touched many people. She was very elegant but had time to make anyone feel important. It was a pleasure to have her as neighbor and friend. May Gods love surround you during this difficult time. You have wonderful memories. God bless!
Pattie C Atchley
Sunday, August 8, 2021
I am very sorry,
Pattie Atchley
Laurene Butler Kennedy
Sunday, August 8, 2021
Thoughts and prayers for your family at the loss of Lucille. She was a kind person and will be missed.
Bliss West
Sunday, August 8, 2021
Dearest Family,
I call you "Family" because you are the closest family members I have. I have loved the Vardaman clan for as long as I can remember. Thank you for so many wonderful memories. I could hardly wait to go to your family reunions when we were all children. Going to Burns Park and meeting you will always stand out in my mind's eye. Aunt Lucy was such a dear sweet person. She had such a beautiful smile and caring manner. She is celebrating in Heaven with her brothers and sisters and Ma and Pa Vardaman. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this sad time.
As Rena would say, I love you "muchly".
Bliss
Xxoo
Belle Sewell
Sunday, August 8, 2021
Lucille was the classiest lady I’ve ever met! Always had a smile on her face. She will be greatly missed by her girls at Shirley’s Beauty Shop! Prayers for the entire Wells family!
Patricia Grist
Sunday, August 8, 2021
Dearly loved this most gracious lady. She will be missed so much. John Paul and Michele so sorry for your loss
Sharon Sims
Sunday, August 8, 2021
Lucille was a lady of great passion for people and greatly loved the Lord. As a former Paris resident I would see and talk with her at the beauty shop and see her at the furniture store she always had time to talk and care about you as a person. To all of her family I send prayers up for you during these sad times.
Yvonne Hickman Moffet
Sunday, August 8, 2021
Lucy was a sweet n kind lady she will be dearly missed by friends n family. My family always felt welcome at there furniture place n visited there. I graduated with John in '73 a good friend my prayers are with you John n your siblings may God give you comfort at the loss of your mom.
Cindy phillips
Sunday, August 8, 2021
So sad to hear of this she was a beautiful person inside and out and she was always friendly to me prayers for the family.
Phil and Jyl Hemba
Saturday, August 7, 2021
What a sweet and classy lady. She was always so kind to my family, since our daughter married her Grandson Colby. She blessed so many.
Mickey and Rob Oates
Saturday, August 7, 2021
We are so sorry for your loss. Ms Lucy was a strong Christian roll model for so many of us. She will be so missed. Hugs and prayers for the family and Charlotte who was best friends with her for so so many years. Treasure your memories.
Ronnie and Millissia Jones
Saturday, August 7, 2021
We are sadden with the passing of Lucille. She was the most elegant and friendly lady we have met. She never met a stranger. Her heart was always open and she always had a smile on her face. She never aged. She had a natural beauty. Her family has been blessed with her love for many years. Prayers for each of you!
Charles and Brenda Knoles
Saturday, August 7, 2021
Our prayers are with you all. She was a joy to know
Bernice Wiggins Davis
Saturday, August 7, 2021
So sorry for your loss. We understand your grief & sorrow since our Mother just went to Heaven. May God grant you comfort & peace. Jesus said He’d never leave nor forsake us. And He gives us new strength every morning.
Kelly and Mike Becker
Saturday, August 7, 2021
Sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers!
Susan E. Johnson
Saturday, August 7, 2021
Mike and I offer our sincere sympathy and prayers for faith and comfort. Lucille was an incredible lady who leaves a wonderful legacy in this life.
David & Rita Rhineheart
Saturday, August 7, 2021
So saddened by the loss of this lovely and kind lady.
To all her family, may God comfort you. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Mary and Jerry Freeman
Saturday, August 7, 2021
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Sue pearson
Saturday, August 7, 2021
Sure did love this sweet lady I knew her for nearly seventy years. She was always a grand ladyParis will sure miss her I know I will.
Becky Hull Thompso
Saturday, August 7, 2021
Beth Butler just told me of your mother's passing, Sandra. Please know you're in my thoughts and prayers as your heart breaks. May God wrap you in His comfort, peace and love, gently leading you to the celebration of her life and legacy. She was loved by all those who knew her, including my mom and their close group of girl friends they shared over many years. Hugs, Becky Hull Thompson
Mickey and Rob Oates
Saturday, August 7, 2021
We are so sorry for your loss. Ms Lucy was a strong Christian roll model for so many of us. She will be so missed. Hugs and prayers for the family and Charlotte who was best friends with her for so so many years. Treasure your memories.