About Us

In 1965, Tommy Wells started working with C.O. Pate Funeral Home in Senatobia, MS. He attended the Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science in 1967 and 1968. When he left Dallas as a graduate, he also left with his bride, having met and fallen in love with Dottie, a Baylor nursing graduate.

The Wells then moved to Columbus, where Tommy worked with Gunter and Holmes (now Gunter and Peel) Funeral Home until he decided to open his own business in Batesville in 1978. That same year, the family business began in a rented building on Hwy 51 North.

By 1988, a decision was made to build a new facility because parking and square footage had become an obstacle in the thriving family business. On land made available by Francis Seale, a secretary and hostess for the Wells Family, the cinder block facility became reality. In July 1988, a 7,180-square-foot facility was erected on Hwy 35 North.

Chris Wells, the younger son, was always interested in funeral work, so after graduation from Magnolia Heights in 1991, he enrolled in the Mortuary Science School at Northwest Community College. He earned his degree in Mortuary Science in 1992. Chris holds his license with the Mississippi State Board of Funeral Service.

In the fall of 1998, the family purchased Forrest Memorial Park from Wallace Eubanks, and it became another service offered to the community by Wells Funeral Home.

The original dream the Wells had envisioned for the cemetery has become a reality. Four above-ground mausoleums are currently in place as well as a columbarium for the interment of cremains. We have honored our veterans of the armed services by opening a VA section at the cemetery. With the increased traffic flow, the gravel pathways were updated with asphalt. There are over 18 acres of land at Forrest Memorial Park.

The facility provided sufficient space for over 16 years, but as families continued to choose Wells Funeral Home as their funeral home provider, space became an issue yet again. The choice to use the on-site chapel become more and more prevalent so an expansion was needed.

In spring 2004, Tommy Wells sketched the remodel and addition plans, and construction began. The existing garage became the family room, the chapel was turned into the main state room, and a new chapel to seat over 300 was erected on the south side of the existing funeral home. After all was said and done, 3,000 square feet and an additional parking lot were added to Wells Funeral Home.

With over 10,000 square feet, the family-owned and -operated business continues to believe that the support of the people of Panola and surrounding counties dictated this expansion.

Over the past several years, cremation has become more accepted in our region. In keeping up with the changes of the funeral industry, the Wells family made a big decision to add a crematory.

Cremation was always an option at Wells Funeral Home; however, it was outsourced to a licensed crematory prior to 2009. But with the addition of an on-site crematory, Wells Funeral Home made history by becoming the first crematory facility in Panola County.

Our staff is here to provide you with excellent care and service during your time of loss. Get to know the people who will help you through the planning process.