Cathy Wells

Cathy was born in Savannah, Georgia and as an infant, her family moved to Jekyll Island, Georgia, where she would grow up just steps from the beach. There, Cathy enjoyed a childhood rich with sunshine, laughter, and lasting memories. Growing up alongside her five siblings, she embraced island life wholeheartedly; lifeguarding, swimming, fishing, playing tennis, and spending countless days by the sea. She even had a pet duck named “JD” short for “Jekyll Duck” who loved to follow her around the island and gained the attention from onlooking tourists. These years shaped her joyful spirit and lifelong love of the outdoors. 

Cathy graduated from Glynn Academy in 1980. She went on to attend the University of Georgia, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. A proud member of Zeta Tau Alpha, Cathy formed lifelong friendships and loved cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs. She continued her education at Georgia Southern University, earning her master’s degree in childhood education. Cathy taught elementary school for 33 years and was a cherished educator amongst her students and co-teachers. She retired from the Glynn County School System.

 It was in 1985 on the beautiful Jekyll beach where Cathy met the love of her life, Charles William Wells (Chuck), a meeting she believed was no coincidence, but a blessing ordained by God. Cathy and Chuck married in 1987 at The Crane Cottage on Jekyll Island and moved to Atlanta, then to Brunswick, Georgia in 2000. Together, they built a marriage rooted in faith, devotion, and unconditional love. Cathy and Charles shared an active life, enjoying tennis, biking, training for triathlons, and enthusiastically supporting their children in swimming and every extracurricular pursuit. Cathy was a devoted wife who honored God through her marriage and cherished her role as partner and helpmate. Cathy was an advocate for autism awareness and devoted countless hours towards this cause. 

Cathy and Charles were blessed with three children- Summerlyn, Catherine, and Brandon, who were her greatest earthly joys. She was a nurturing and prayerful mother, pouring her heart into raising her children with love, faith, and strong values. Her home was a place of warmth, encouragement, and steadfast trust in God’s promises.

 Above all, Cathy loved the Lord. Her faith was not merely spoken but lived daily through kindness, humility, and service to others. She trusted God in every season of life and left behind a powerful testimony of unwavering faith, grace through trial, and love without condition. 

Though her family mourns her absence on this side of Heaven, they rejoice in the promise of reunion, knowing Cathy is now whole, healed, and rejoicing in the presence of Jesus. Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her faith a legacy that will continue for generations.

Cathy is preceded in death by her father, DeLamar Turner Jr. and mother, Catherine Elizabeth Lankenau Turner, as well as her brother, DeLamar Turner III and her grandson, Gabriel Cummings. Cathy is survived by her loving husband of 38 years, Charles William Wells; her children, Summerlyn (Robert) Cummings, Catherine Vaughn, and Brandon Wells; her grandchildren, Charlie, Elliott, Samuel, Heidi, and Solomon; her siblings, Margie (Alan) Moore, Nancy (Jimmy) Brown, Robbie (Betsy) Turner, and Barry (Lisa) Turner; her Uncle Norton (Pat) Turner and their family; her sister in law Sue Turner, as well as many nieces and nephews.