Elma Mackey Wells
Elma Mackey Wells, 86, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. Elma was born in Richmond, VA, on June 23, 1938 to the late Effie May Burgess Mackey and the late William Charles Mackey. She was raised in Petersburg and attended Longwood College in Farmville where she met her husband of 56 years, Barry Lee Wells, who died in 2017. Elma also attended Richmond Polytechnic Institute/Medical College of Virginia (now VCU/MCV) where she studied radiology and medical technology. Elma and Barry moved to Danville in 1966. Over the years, she worked as a medical technologist at the office of Drs. Milam and Ahmed and at Internal Medicine.
Elma was raised in the Episcopalian Faith. Recently, she had been attending Union Church with her family. Elma was active in the local community. She served with the local Girl Scout troops for decades, supported the Danville Symphony Orchestra, and enjoyed being an active member of the Danville Wednesday Club, serving in a variety of roles within the organization.
Elma is survived by a daughter; Elizabeth “Beth” Wells Shupik (David) of Danville, VA and a son; Douglas Wells (Kathy) of Huntsville, AL; two grandchildren; Christine and Isaiah; and five great grandchildren; Colette, Strader Scott, Journey, Legacy, and Ever Isaiah.
In addition to her parents and husband, Elma was predeceased by a sister; Linda Carol Ellington.
In the coming weeks, Elma’s ashes are to be interred with Barry in Westview Cemetery in Farmville with a graveside service. In the same timeframe, a celebration of Elma’s life is expected to be held in Danville. Announcement of those plans are forthcoming.
Elma will be greatly missed by her friends and family. She will be remembered as having a personality that never met a stranger and a contagious smile that brightened every room she entered.
In lieu of flowers, Elma would prefer donations on her behalf to any of the following: God’s Pit Crew Disaster Response Team (https://godspitcrew.org/), God’s Storehouse (https://www.godsstorehouse.org/), or The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (https://www.lls.org/).
Norris Funeral Services, Inc. & Crematory, Mt. Hermon Chapel, Danville, VA is respectfully serving the Wells family. Online condolences may be made at www.norrisfuneral.com.
