It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Martha Joanne (Jo) Wells, 82, who died surrounded by her loved ones on Sunday, June 22nd at Spartanburg Regional Hospital. 

Joanne was a beloved friend, sister, aunt, great aunt, and educator. 

Joanne (Ms. Wells) dedicated her life to education, serving as a teacher and later an assistant principal at Hendrix Elementary School for over 30 years. She went on to serve as an admin at Woodruff Elementary for 8 years until she fully retired in 2000. Joanne touched the lives of countless students, fostering a love for education and encouraging them to reach their full potential. It was rare for her to go out anywhere in Spartanburg without being recognized by a former student, parent, or colleague. 

Joanne is survived by her lifelong friend and “sister”, Felicia Oliver, and her two brothers, Floyd Wells and Robert Wells. She is also survived by her nieces: Amy Hoyle (Norris); Emily Wells  (Russell “Russ”); Renee Crawford (Calvin); Gina Boyd (Woody) and one nephew, Daniel “Danny” Wells.  Joanne also left behind several grandnieces and grandnephews: Allison Wilkie (Daniel), Jenny Sue Hoyle, Alea Boyd, Alex Boyd, and Adam Boyd; and four great grandnieces and nephews: Carter, Waylon, Emmie Kate, and Dixie. In addition, Joanne left behind her family in love: William “Bill” Oliver, Jack Oliver (Lauren), Melody Powell (Frank), Sarah Oliver, and Will Oliver. 

Joanne was predeceased by her parents: Claude and Jennie Sue Wells.

A graveside service will be held at Walls Baptist Church Cemetery in Bostic, North Carolina (749 Walls Church Rd, Bostic, NC 28018) on Saturday, July 19th at 11:00 am. Immediately following the service, the family will receive friends in the church Fellowship Hall. The family requests that friends and family bring notes, pictures, and memories of Joanne with you to be placed in a special basket in the Fellowship Hall. Those who are unable to attend may mail them to any family member.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Walls Baptist Church, 749 Walls Church Road, Bostic, North Carolina 28018 or Spartanburg Humane Society, 150 Dexter Road, Spartanburg, South Carolina 29303. 

“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die” ~ Thomas Campbell

The Padgett and King Mortuary & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.