Maxine Joyce Wells

Maxine “Max” Joyce Wells, 87, of Charlotte, died peacefully at her home with her children by her side on Saturday, August 30, 2025. Max was born June 16, 1938 in Eaton Rapids, the daughter of Russell and Ingle (York) Tompkins. As a schoolgirl, Max balanced her studies with caring for her ailing mother in the wake of her father’s early passing. When her mother passed a few years later, she and her siblings went to live with family friends, a loving gesture that instilled in Max the heart of a caregiver. A few years after graduating from Vermontville High School, she married the love of her life, Richard Lee Wells on April 29, 1961, and the two started their family. Both Max and Richard played a very central role in the lives of their children, always going along on field trips as chaperones and participating as a family in the local 4H. Later in life, Max enjoyed time working in the dietary department at Hayes Green Beach Hospital, and for Marlene’s Bridal. Max had a knack for cake decorating as well as creating many special works of art over the years in the form of hand-sewn quilts, paintings, crochet, and ceramics. She also loved time spent tending her flower gardens. Max was also an avid lover of her beloved pets, whom she referred as her grand-dogs. Above all, Maxine loved her family.

Maxine is survived by her daughter, Barbara Wells; son, Robert Wells; and her granddaughter, Meagan Dowding. She was predeceased by her parents, and her three siblings, Vencil Tompkins, Walter Tompkins and Marcia Baker.

Friends are encouraged to support Maxine’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Private services are taking place. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.