Bednia Elizabeth Wells

On November 2, 2024, Bednia Elizabeth Wells transitioned peacefully to her heavenly home at the Duke Hock Pavilion, surrounded by her loving family. She was 90 years old.

Bednia Elizabeth Bonner was born on November 21, 1933, in Rose Hill, North Carolina, to Mary and Charlie Bonner. She was raised in Duplin County, where she graduated from the local school system before beginning her work at the Tyson Chicken Factory in her hometown. Later, Bednia relocated to Durham, NC, where she worked at the Ivory Room before dedicating many years of service to community outreach. She worked with Operation Breakthrough (OBT) and later transitioned to Lincoln Community Health Center, retiring as an Intake Clerk. Bednia’s life was marked by her dedication to serving others, especially in her local community.

Bednia’s loving family includes four beautiful daughters: Valarie, Jacqualine (Willie), Sharon (Brenard), and Bonnie (Jerry - deceased); one son, Alton (deceased/Gloria); as well as her beloved life partner, Albert Speight (deceased). She was a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, and her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Bednia was known and loved by many, especially in the Cornwallis Housing Development, where she became one of the most respected matriarchs. She formed a sisterly bond with Hildread Quick, becoming a second mother to her children: Otis, Willie (deceased), Lela, Lavelle (Tim - both deceased), Delphine (deceased), Maurice, Deborah (Carlton), and Terry (Cynthia).

Bednia had a passion for traveling with her children and was an active member of The Spry Club in Durham. She found joy in her faith, often reflecting on her childhood memories of singing in the choir and her early connection to God. She was a faithful member of Church of God of Prophecy and Fisher Memorial Church before attending Union Baptist and later joining Inner Court Ministries in 2009, where she continued her spiritual journey under the leadership of Bishop Dennis Jefferson and Overseer Bishop Jonathan Wallace. Bishop Jefferson returned to DC and Pastor Archie Keith continued the torch for Inner Court, NC for several years and Bednia embraced Pastor Keith and His family as her own. She remained under the leadership of Pastor Keith and his new ministry, Shiloh Temple All-nations until her homegoing.

Bednia was blessed to see 5 generations, her third generation referred to her as “Grandma Betty or “Big B” and includes Karen, Larry, Ronick (LaDonna), Charles, Latwanna, LaVoski, Albert Derrell, Ryan, Adonte (D’Andrea), Albert Denard (Kenna), and Kina (Jeaune). The fourth generation referred to her as “Granny” and includes Ken, Corrick Lamont (Deceased), Earic (Desiree), Jared (Dejonee), Imani (Elaine), Teresia, Ian (Deceased), Kenya, Larry Jr, Jousha (Neffertiti), Demetrious, DeAundre, Xavier, Essence, Thomas, Enrico, Dimassia, Gabriel, Khari, Lekiel, LaVoski Jr., Unique, Ryan Jr., Corrick Josiah, Kayla, Zyair, and the fifth generation proclaimed her as “Boom” and includes Zadavia, Matthew, Ken Jr., Zion, Zarriana, Alexander, Jean-Paul, Landon, Kali, Christopher, Alton Knox, Jade, Iman, Kingston, Romire, Charles-Jo’elle, Braylen, Messiah, Emir, Ariyah, Kayden, Dj and Chance.

Bednia was the epitome of love and was dearly loved by many that she was able to nurture and care for and they remained her loving extended children and grandchildren; Denice Kendal, Reba Hartsfield, Tamara Odom-Mills, Tiffany Holloman and the entire Quick/Dash Families.

Bednia was preceded in death by her ancestors, parents, sister (Ethel Bynum), Thomas Wells, Albert Speight, sons Alton and Jerry, and grandsons Corrick, Darrin, Ian, Ja’len and a few of her loving friends.

Bednia’s life was a testament to love, strength, and devotion to both her family and her faith. She lived with purpose, touched countless lives, and leaves behind a legacy of love and service. She is now in the presence of the Lord, reunited with those who have gone before her, and walking in eternal peace.

Her family and friends will forever remember her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering faith.

To God be all the glory, for lending us such a wonderful soul. May we continue to honor her memory by following the path she laid before