Brenda Jean Wells passed away peacefully at Commonwealth Assisted Living on August 30, 2025 after an extended battle with Parkinson’s and Frontotemporal Dementia, which she faced with humor and grace.
Brenda was born in Iaeger, West Virginia on September 23, 1956, daughter of the late Sen. John Patton and Marianna Young Fanning.
She was a graduate of Iaeger High School, West Virginia Wesleyan College with a BS in Home Economics and a Master’s Degree in Counseling from West Virginia University.
Brenda married James Wells on May 23, 1981 in Salem, Virginia.
Brenda had a varied teaching career which included Culinary Arts and Elementary School in McDowell County West Virginia. In 1987 she began her career with Warren County Public Schools as Coordinator of YES, then GRADS programs. Brenda was Director of Guidance for Warren County High School, Warren County Junior High School and the first Director of Guidance for Skyline High School. She retired in 2016.
Brenda was involved in her community primarily through the Warren County Mental Health Association, Front Royal Kiwanis Club, where she served as President and Secretary, two terms on the Warren County Social Services Advisory Board, PEO, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Warren County Retired Teachers and in various roles at Front Royal United Methodist Church.
Survivors include her first husband (her favorite running joke), James Wells of Front Royal; son, Daniel Wells and wife Michelle of Front Royal; daughter, Dr. Valerie Bennsky and husband Drew of Front Royal; grandson and the star of her universe, Lucas Wells of Front Royal; and granddog, Daisy. She is also survived by her brother, John Fanning and wife Kim of Waxhaw, North Carolina; sister, Deborah Tankersley and husband Tom of Hollins, Virginia; a cousin and surrogate older sister, Frances (Dee Dee) Bivens and husband Butch of Roderfield, West Virginia; sisters-in-law, Susan Fitchko and Joyce Wimmer; nephews, Cole Tankersley, Jason Fitchko, Christopher Jenkins and Aaron Jenkins; and nieces, Kaleigh Fanning, Jennifer Bitzky and Rebecca Koosman.
Brenda’s love for her community was only exceeded by her love for her family and for cooking.
The Family wishes to thank the legion of folks who have visited (many from long distances), and sent cards and prayers during her battle. Not enough gratitude can be expressed to Sarah, Jennifer and the rest of the caregivers at Commonwealth as well as the marvelous staff of Blue Ridge Hospice, you made this journey so much easier. Brenda is at peace and rests in that house not made with hands eternal under Heaven.
In keeping with Brenda’s wishes there will be no services.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Front Royal United Methodist Church, Blue Ridge Hospice, Samuels Public Library or Front Royal Women’s Resource Center.
Jim and Family, Brooks and I offer our prayers at this time of your great loss. I remember meeting Brenda as a patient many years ago. She was bright, funny and committed to her work and family. Those who believe that a better life awaits her, in a new body free of Parkinson’s Disease, grieve our loss as it is her gain. We pray that this period of grieving is full of the love of remaining family and friends.