Juanita E. Wells

East Lyme — Juanita Elizabeth Cansler Wells slipped away peacefully March 3, 2024. Juanita was born in Knoxville, Tenn., to the late Mildred Young Cansler and George F. Cansler. She married her love, husband Willie J. Wells, in Spartanburg, S.C., where she spent most of her childhood.

She was a resident of Uncasville for 26 years and moved to East Lyme, where she resided for 25 years. Juanita retired from Pfizer after 23 years as supervisor in the Data Entry and Information Technology departments. She was past grand matron of Prince Hall Grand Chapter, OES, state of Connecticut, past matron of Electa Chapter #7, OES, New London, past illustrious commandress of Arabic Court #95, New Haven, charter member of the Mohegan Pequot Lions of Uncasville, past president of the Montville VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post 10060, Uncasville, member of the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary, Unit #112, Uncasville, member of Tamar Court #1 Heroines of Jericho, Hartford, and member of New Haven Assembly #42 Order of the Golden Circle.

She was predeceased by a sister, Sylvia Cansler Carter, of Canterbury; and a brother, George F. Cansler of Los Angeles, Calif. Juanita leaves behind to cherish her memory, husband, Willie; son, Willie J. Wells III; daughter, Monica Wells O’Connor; two brothers, William Cansler of Brockton, Mass. and Wolford Cansler of Boston, Mass.; and sister, Mary Cansler Bell of Cocoa, Fla. She also leaves behind granddaughters, Christy Wells Henderson and Makayla Wells O’Connor, joy of her life; as well as adopted daughter, Andrea Gorges; and niece, Chandra Tyler; along with a host of other grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

A private family service will be held at a later date. Donations may be made in memory of Juanita Wells to St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, Fort Hill Road, Groton, CT.

Matthew 11:28 “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”