Katherine Howerton Wells

Katherine Howerton Wells, 86, of Dewitt, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 4, 2025. Born on May 1, 1939, in Dinwiddie County, she was the daughter of the late William Wilson "Billy" Howerton and Jessie Alicia Brown Howerton. In addition to her parents; she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 years, Earl Lee "Marlboro Man" Wells - the love of her life; her son, Donald Earl Wells; her sister, Loretta Howerton Bowen; her brother-in-law, William Dennis Bowen; and her great-niece, Taylor Brooke Harrison.

Katherine's early years were shaped by the strong work ethic and close family bonds of rural Dinwiddie County. Her father, a respected tobacco farmer, was known for producing some of the finest crops in the region. While working in the fields was not her passion, Katherine cherished the days spent alongside her mother selling and delivering eggs, milk, and chickens. Together, they devoted long hours at the farmers market in Petersburg, building connections that lasted a lifetime.

She and her sister, Loretta, were as different as sunrise and sunset - Loretta a night owl, Katherine an early riser who began each day before the chickens stirred. She carried that discipline into every role she undertook, earning a reputation as a reliable, punctual, and diligent worker. Over the years, she performed accounting work for numerous businesses, her skill and dedication holding operations together.

Katherine lived with an open heart and generous spirit. Family was the center of her world, and her love for her children and grandchildren was unwavering. She delighted in life's simple joys - the comfort of her kitchen where she was known for her biscuits and sausage gravy, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn pudding, and the very best macaroni and cheese. She also loved the freedom of spontaneous road trips with no destination in mind.

Music was a lifelong passion. Gifted with the ability to "tickle the ivories," she could not resist tapping her feet or clapping along whenever a song played. She and Earl shared a deep love for country music, managing The Silver Eagle Band and dancing together with a grace that seemed effortless - "smooth as butter," as friends would say.

Katherine is survived by her sons, Larry Wade Wells (Cathy), of Powhatan, Virginia, and Marty L. Wells (Ann), of Littleton, North Carolina; ten grandchildren, Josh, Scott, Trevor, Zack, Donnie, Eva, Austin, Sydney, Preston, and Dallas; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, August 14, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., at Rocky Run United Methodist Church, 14925 Glebe Road, Dewitt, Virginia 23840. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m., with Reverend Mike Lamphire officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Rocky Run United Methodist Church or the Rocky Run United Methodist Church Cemetery in Katherine's memory.