Mrs. Gussie Deloris Wells

WELLS, Mrs. Gussie Deloris - Age 97, passed away Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at Hurley Medical Center. Family hour 10:00 AM Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Metropolitan Baptist Tabernacle, 930 E. Myrtle Ave., with funeral service commencing at 11:00 AM. Pastor Stephen Murphy Host Pastor, Dr. Carlos Williams, Eulogist. Interment Sunset Hills Cemetery, G-4413 Flushing Rd. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 10:00 AM Thursday. Mrs. wells will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd. and may be viewed from 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM with family present from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM to receive friends. Mrs. Gussie Deloris Wells truly lived up to her namesake. She was always “Gussied Up”—beautifully dressed in fancy, formal, and stylish clothing, with a special eye for making everything around her more beautiful, elegant, and decorative. It was simply a part of who she was. Yet, beyond her beautiful appearance was a spirit that was even more beautiful. Gussie possessed a rare gift: she had a way of making everything—and everyone—around her feel special, valued, and loved. Gussie was a pillar, a matriarch, and a treasured presence in her family and community. She loved deeply, nurtured generously, and gave freely. She was the kind of woman who would give her very last if it meant making someone else’s life a little easier. Her heart was generous, her hands were always willing to serve, and her home was a place where love, comfort, and fellowship could always be found. She embraced the many roles God blessed her to carry: mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, aunt, cousin, and beloved friend. She carried so many titles to so many people, and each one represented another life touched by her love. To know Gussie was to know love.ost knew her as “Gram.” Some lovingly called her “Mudear,” while her Southern roots gave her the cherished name “Tea.” Whatever name you called her, you knew exactly what you were receiving: love, care, wisdom, warmth, and a heart that welcomed you as her own. You never left an encounter with Gussie without knowing that you had been embraced. She had an innate ability to make people feel seen, welcomed, and deeply cherished. Her nurturing spirit extended far beyond her immediate family. She was a provider and caregiver to all, and there was always room for one more at her table, in her home, and in her heart. Gussie was a woman of God whose love for Christ was evident in the way she lived her life. She was a Prayer Warrior and a Faithful Servant who truly loved God with every fiber of her being. Her faith was not simply something she spoke about—it was something she lived. She taught those around her how to commune with God, trust Him, pray without ceasing, and come to know Him for themselves. Her life was a testimony of faith, perseverance, service, and love. She found joy in the simple and meaningful things of life. She loved to crochet, cook, gather family and friends, host, and fellowship. Most of all, she loved putting smiles on the faces of those she loved. Her world-renowned popcorn, sweet potato pies, fried chicken, grits, greens, cornbread, and chocolate cakes were legendary. These were more than just favorite foods—they were expressions of love, memories served from her kitchen, and reminders that in Gussie’s home, there was always something to eat, someone to welcome, and love to share. Gussie was born on August 30, 1928, in Montevallo, Alabama, to Henry Lee Tolbert Sr. and Ida Watkins-Tolbert. She was the youngest of nine siblings: Gertrude Benson, Locie Davis, Lurene Jones, Daisy Glenn, Henry Tolbert Jr., Dortholo Nicks, Earl Tolbert, and James Tolbert. On July 5, 1947, Gussie married the love of her life, Phillip Sylvester Wells. To this beautiful union, eight children were born: Phyllis Wells, Pauletta (Edward) Young, LeeRoy (Carolyn) Wells Sr., Dorothy Wells, Shirley (Jerry) Boyd, Vanessa (Cornell Jr.) Ballard, Sylvester Wells, and Fred (Tamara) Wells. In 1955, Gussie and Phillip moved their family to Flint, Michigan, where she devoted herself wholeheartedly to raising and caring for her family. As a sophisticated homemaker, she emphatically took immense pride and sheer joy in cooking, nurturing, and providing for those she loved. She faithfully managed the many responsibilities of her home while creating an environment where her family could grow, gather, and feel secure. Through nearly a century of life, Gussie witnessed generations come and go, and she became a living bridge between the past, present, and future. Her wisdom, traditions, stories, prayers, recipes, and unconditional love became part of the legacy she passed down to her family. On August 25, 2026, just five days shy of her 98th birthday, Mrs. Gussie Deloris Wells peacefully made her transition from this earthly life to be with the Lord, our Heavenly Father. Though our hearts are heavy with her absence, we rejoice in the life she lived, the love she gave, and the legacy she leaves behind. We are comforted by the assurance of God’s Word and the promise that those who love the Lord will one day be reunited with Him in glory. Mrs. Gussie Deloris Wells leaves to cherish her precious memory: her devoted daughters, Phyllis Wells of Flint; Pauletta (Edward) Young of Canton; and Shirley (Jerry) Boyd of Los Angeles; and her loving son, Fred Wells Sr. of Flint. Gram also leaves behind: an abundance of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren spanning five generations. Her first treasured generation of grandchildren includes, Lisa Edwards, Marlene Lassiter, Rozetta Hodge, LeeRoy Wells Jr., LaRhonda Wells, Pamela Wells, Paula Wilkes, Carolyn “Melissa” McGee, Phyllis Reeves, Deonta Wells, Kenyada Dent, Cornell Ballard III, Courtney Ballard, Colby Tyler, Montez Cooper, Tichlillan “NeNe” Wells, Fred Wells Jr., and Rauheem Wells, along with a superabundance of beautiful grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; their lovely families; special nieces and nephews; delightful cousins; close friends; and adored family members. Each life she touched carries a piece of her legacy. Her love will continue through the generations she nurtured, the lessons she taught, the prayers she prayed, the meals she prepared, the traditions she established, the laughs she laughed, and the memories she created.

Mrs. Gussie Deloris Wells

August 30, 1928 - August 25, 2026