Fran D. Wells

Frances “Fran” Davis Wells passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 25, at her home in Athens, Georgia. The daughter of James and Mary Davis, she spent her younger years in Washington, Georgia, and then moved to Athens where she went on to graduate from Athens High School. Fran attended the University of Georgia pursuing a teaching degree and while there met the love of her life, Edmunds “Ed” Wells, on a blind date. 

 As she and Ed moved around Georgia and Tennessee with their daughter, Anne-Marie, Fran spent much of her time volunteering and working in the communities where they lived. Her roles included: Girl Scout leader, softball coach, teacher, room mother, Parent Association leader, voter registration and poll worker, and chair of countless fundraisers, just to name a few. After finally settling back in Athens, Fran later took on the job of “Nana” (by far her favorite) and spent many hours with her grandchildren. 

 Fran loved books and was an avid reader. Known for her trademark scent of Chanel No. 5, she was a talented seamstress, an exceptional cook and an accomplished gardener, having spent the last 30 years creating and tending a beautiful English garden at their home. Fran cherished family beach trips where she spent hours reading on the beach, walking, crabbing and fishing. She was also an animal lover who was rarely without her beloved pets.

 Fran is preceded in death by her brothers Jimmy Davis and Len Davis. She is survived by Ed, her husband of 57 years; twin brother Donnie Davis and his wife, Bobby; daughter Anne-Marie and her husband, Greg Esslinger; grandchildren Mary-Crawford Esslinger and Davis Esslinger; sisters-in-law Boyce Davis, Mot Davis and Donna Mixon; brother-in-law Joe Racy Wells, and many beloved nieces and nephews. 

 Services will be held on Saturday, February 8, at 3:00 pm at First Baptist Church of Athens where they have been members for many years. 

 In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Downtown Ministries in Athens that operates assistance programs, including Our Daily Bread of Athens, a community kitchen that feeds over 600 people weekly and provides after school programs for children, as well as Downtown Academy, which provides specialized education for children in the community that would not have access otherwise. https://downtownministries.org/give

 Lord & Stephens Funeral Homes, East, Athens, GA is assisting the family with the arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com