Mary Eva Wells, 84, died peacefully at Providence Hospital downtown, Columbia, South Carolina on Monday, June 15, 2020. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family. Born on Friday, September 13, 1935 in Steadman, SC, she was a daughter of the late Woodard Gantt and Eva Padgett Gantt.

Ms. Wells attended a one room school with grades one through eight with 10 to 15 students overall and subsequently graduated from Batesburg-Leesville High School. After leaving home, she had several administrative positions with small companies in the Batesburg-Leesville and Columbia area; she worked briefly in the Payroll Department and for many years in the Human Resources Department as a Benefits Counselor of the University of South Carolina.

In 2000 she married Harry Wells. The couple travelled often and widely including coach trips through Europe, Turkey, and Egypt. Mary and Harry enjoyed their many cruises going to ports in Europe, Turkey, Egypt, Africa, South America, and the Caribbean.

She is survived by her husband, Harry "Gene" Wells of Columbia; sons, McQueen "Mack" Smith, III of Columbia, Mark McCloud Smith, of St. Augustine, FL, Wayne Wells, Bruce Wells, Blair Wells, and Rod Smith; granddaughter, Carley Smith, of Charleston, SC; and sister, Barbara Aldridge of Lexington, SC. She was preceded in death by her son, Michael Woodard Smith; sisters, Cleola Woodward and Francis Padgett; and brother, Chalmus Gantt.

A memorial service for Mrs. Wells will be held 10 o'clock, Thursday, September 10, 2020, at Trinity United Methodist, 90 Boney Road, Blythewood, SC. Inurnment will follow at 12 o'clock, at Ft. Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia. The family will greet friends following the service. Everyone is invited to attend but will be asked to abide by the state's recommendations of wearing masks and social distancing to provide a safe environment for all. A livestream will be available by visiting https://www.shivesfuneralhome.com/current-webcast/ .

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, PO Box 864, Blythewood, SC 29016.