Rollene Sumner Wells
Rollene Sumner Wells died peacefully at her home in Richmond, Virginia on November 28, 2016.
Rollene Sumner Wells was the second daughter of George and Stella Sumner. Raised during the Depression in Georgia (where her kinfolk had lived for generations), she learned progressive values from her hard-working parents who supported FDR and the New Deal. She was a popular girl in school who loved to dance and have fun. She also valued education and was the first in her family to go to a four-year college, graduating in 1949 from Georgia State College for Women.
In 1948 she met the love of her life, John M. Wells, who swept her off her feet and married her on June 19, 1949. They began a rich life that included a stint in the Air Force, when John served in the Judge Advocate Corps (JAG) in Morocco, which was a life-changing event for both of them. Upon their return to the states, they found themselves unable to live in the segregated Deep South any more and so made their home in Northern Virginia.
It was there they found the most important institution of their lives, the Unitarian Universalist Church, and they joined the Unitarian congregation in Arlington, VA in 1957. When John decided to become a minister, Rollene bravely adjusted not only to accompanying him (with four daughters) to seminary in upstate Canton, NY, but also to being a minister’s spouse. She became a leader in the church in her own right, serving on the board of the UU Women’s Federation and supporting many liberal causes throughout her long life.
Rollene was an excellent teacher and after giving birth to her daughters she returned to education as a high school teacher both near Canton and then in a long stint with foreign students in Fairfax County, VA. She loved that work and taught many non-English speakers to appreciate English poetry, drama and literature.
She was also an excellent musician who played piano and sang, but preferred to dance and listen, particularly to great jazz and classical pianists. She seldom went more than an hour without humming or singing some catchy tune and taught her children and grandchildren to love music. And she was a big lover of animals, particularly dogs and, in her later years, cats. Her longhaired tuxedo JJ will miss her terribly.
After John’s death in 1988, Rollene went through a difficult period that ultimately led her, at age 70, to find community with the Friends of Bill. Sobriety was a great blessing and she was an active inspiration to others who struggled to get sober later in life. As one family member put it, “Rollene was always kind and good but when she got sober she became wise.” Her gracious and friendly presence enriched so many others, including family, friends, the AA community and her congregation, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Richmond.
Rollene and John had four daughters together, Karen (husband David Weissbard and daughter Hilary); Brooksie (son John and daughter Julie Bridstrup); Mary (husband David Markham and step-daughter Nicole Poegl); and Barbara (husband Jaco ten Hove). Rollene was extraordinarily proud of all of them and especially enjoyed her last years living in Mary’s home.
Exactly one year before her death, Rollene made a commitment to share her life with beloved companion Wayne Moyer, who was also an active Unitarian Universalist. Their shared faith was a comfort to them both.
Rollene kept on dancing even into her final weeks, and died at home of heart disease surrounded by love. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
A memorial service to celebrate her life and mourn her death took place on Friday, Dec. 30, at the UU Church of Richmond, VA (1000 Blanton Ave, Richmond VA 23221). Donations may be sent to The First UU Church of Richmond.
Notes of condolence may be sent to: Wayne Moyer P.O. Box 579, Norge, VA 23127; Karen Wells, 169 Sykes, Canton, NY 13617; Brooksie Wells, 270 Alexandria Pike, Warrenton, VA 20186; Mary Wells, 240 Avebury Dr., North Chesterfield, VA 23236; or Barbara W. ten Hove, 654 Madison Ave. N, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110.