Ola Mae Wells (July 15, 1930 – January 7, 2025)

Visitation: Saturday, January 18, 2025
Visitation Time: 10:00 – 11:00 AM
Visitation Location: Abyssinia Missionary Baptist Church
10325 Interstate Center Drive
Jacksonville, Florida

Service Date: Saturday, January 18, 2025
Service Time: 11:00 AM
Service Location: Abyssinia Missionary Baptist Church
10325 Interstate Center Drive
Jacksonville, Florida

Obituary:

Ola Mae Wells, 94, of Jacksonville, departed this life on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. Ola Mae, the youngest of three (3) children, was born on July 15, 1930 from the union of Benjamin and Theresa Lee Thompson in Graham, Florida. She was named after her grandmother and was affectionately known by her friends and family as “Ola Mae” or “Ms. Wells.”
Shortly after her birth, her family moved to Pompano Beach, Florida. Ms. Wells attended Blanche Ely High School which was named after her godmother, Blanche Ely.

Ms. Wells relocated to Gainesville, Florida where she joined Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church and served in many capacities including working with the Senior Ministry.

In the late 60s she moved to Jacksonville, Florida and worked as a nursing assistant. With a career change, she became a licensed hairstylist after attending cosmetology school. As an entrepreneur, she opened a salon and styled clients of all ages for years, bringing creativity, confidence and smiles, while sharing many stories.

As a devoted and faithful member of Abyssinia Missionary Baptist Church for over fifty (50) years, she was very active and shared her time and talents by singing in the choir, serving as the financial secretary, as well as contributing to other boards and auxiliaries. As a member of the choir, one of her favorite songs was “I Know the Lord Laid His Hands on Me.”

She loved to cook, give advice, and complete crossword puzzles. On any given day she was prepared to share her testimony, quote scripture, and give a word of encouragement. Her life was a true testament to God’s will and grace. Ms. Wells never met a stranger. To know her was to love her.

She will forever be loved and cherished by her daughter Rovenia Certain (Rudolph), Orlando, FL, son-in-law Paul Freeman (Vivian), Jacksonville, FL, granddaughters; Sabrina Jones (Jeff), Atlanta, GA, Arlisa Certain (Efrem), Sugar Land, TX, Lashawn Certain, Orlando, FL, Ariana Freeman, Ashlyn Freeman and Aniyah Freeman, Jacksonville, FL, great-grandchildren; Kristen Wardlow, Nashville, TN, Sydney Brown, Atlanta, GA, and Jerel Brown Jr., Portland, OR, Clarke Hunter and Eden Hunter, Sugar Land, TX, Taharqa Certain and Mahari Certain, Orlando, FL; nephews Charlie Thompson Jr. and Ulysees Thompson, Pompano Beach, FL, godson Jeremy Haynes, Jacksonville, FL and a host of cousins and friends.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025 from 10:00 AM until services begin at 11:00AM, Abyssinia Missionary Baptist Church, 10325 Interstate Center Drive, Jacksonville, with Rev. Dr. Eugene W. Diamond, officiating. Interment: Evergreen Cemetery, Jacksonville.