PAUL WELLS

Paul was born in 1921, in Winona, Mississippi to parents Henry Wells, an ordained minister,
and Carrie Wells, a school teacher. Paul was very close with his father and often talked about
serving the Lord and helping others. He originally wanted to become a mortician. He liked the
idea of how finely dressed they were and the ability to help people during their time of loss. He
also wanted to follow in his father‘s footsteps. Paul grew up in a large family with three brothers
and four sisters.
Living in the segregated South, most men of color were expected to be a field hand among the
farms, or some sort of domestic worker. He desired a different type of lifestyle. As a young
man, Paul enlisted in the United States Navy in 1940. During his time in the Navy, he enjoyed
the sport of boxing, playing the trumpet and served his country proudly during World War II. In
1945, Paul married the love of his life, Alberta Carter, who was also from Mississippi. They
moved to San Diego, California making it their permanent residence. In 1950, Paul and Alberta
welcomed their only child, Paula. Paul continued to serve in the Navy while Alberta raised
Paula when he was away on duty.
After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Paul worked in the retail and wholesale
business and followed in his father’s footsteps into the church. He became an ordained Baptist
minister, graduating from Bethel Theological Seminary. Paul also dedicated his time to others
by becoming a member of the Hospital Chaplain Ministry of America.
Reverend Paul Wells departed this life on August 26, 2021 at the age of 100. He leaves to
cherish his memory: daughter, Paula Davis (Charles) of San Diego; sisters Ruth Bush of Fresno
and Marie Joseph of Long Beach; brother, Cepheus Wells of Fresno; grandson, Carl Davis;
granddaughter, Crystal Davis; great granddaughters, Kayla Pusey, Paulina Davis and Siera
Davis; great grandson, Tivis Reid-Davis all of San Diego, and a host of nieces, nephews,
relatives, neighbors and friends who will cherish fond memories and celebrate his life.

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