Barbara Ann Howerton Wells

Barbara Ann Howerton Wells, 91, passed away on September 10, 2026, in Chesterfield, Virginia. Born September 23, 1934, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Barbara was the daughter of the late Gordon L. Howerton and Ruth Lee Payne.

Barbara carried herself with a natural grace and poise and held high standards for herself and for those around her. Independent and diligent, she believed that if something was worth doing, it was worth doing right. She possessed an elegant sense of style, yet she was just as at home on a runway as she was cleaning a horse stall or rummaging in a thrift shop.

Barbara graduated from Thomas Dale High School in 1952 and attended Richmond Professional Institute (RPI).

As a young woman, Barbara enjoyed modeling and was crowned Miss Chesterfield County in 1953, going on to represent Chesterfield in the Miss Virginia Pageant that August. Her elegance and creativity remained evident throughout her life—in the way she dressed, decorated her homes, and entertained family and friends. Her appreciation for beautiful homes and history also led her to serve as a tour guide for Historic Richmond Foundation. She loved antiquing, traveling, and lunches with her fun-loving Red Hat friends.

Being near the water—whether at the lake, the beach, or the river—provided Barbara a special sense of fulfillment. She cherished her friend, Pettus, and their days on the river and monthly dances, and insisted on naming and bottle-feeding his orphaned calves.

Barbara's love of horses began in childhood with the mules on her uncle's tobacco farm in Brunswick County, Virginia, and came full circle in later years as she cared for her beloved Trey, a retired Thoroughbred racehorse.

Barbara is survived by her children, Kevin Andrew Bruce (Colleen Cordova), Jane Bruce Crowther, and Dr. Anne Courtney Wells Carr (Ron). Her two eldest children, Kevin and Jane, were born of her marriage to Graham H. Bruce. Her daughter, Anne Courtney, was born of her marriage to the late William Courtney Wells.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Brooke Kessler, Trey Crowther, Sara Bruce, Nicholas Carr (Sarah), Natalie Carr, and Jay Carr; three great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Barbara was joyfully awaiting the arrival of her fourth great-grandchild.

She is also survived by her siblings, Charles W. Howerton, Jane Howerton Hayden, John Michael Howerton (Linda), and Jay Vernon Howerton (Stacey).

Barbara will be remembered for grace, independence, high standards, and elegant style; for the beautiful homes and gatherings she created; and for the joy she found in family, friendships, horses, and the places she loved. Together, these were simply "all things Barbara."

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Watercrest Richmond for the loving care and kindness they provided Barbara during the past year.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Barbara's memory to a local animal shelter or rescue organization.

A family celebration of Barbara's life will be held at a later date. The family is being served by the Chester Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home. 

Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com.