Sarah Beryle Wells

Sarah Beryle (Copeland) Wells, age 89, went to her heavenly home Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020 on her 89th birthday surrounded by her immediate family in her home. Private funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 16th with Lonny Hawkins officiating at Antelope United Methodist Church of Antelope, Texas with visitation starting at 10 a.m. Arrangements are under the direction of Coker Funeral Home in Jacksboro, Texas. Interment at Shannon Cemetery. Sarah was born on April 12, 1931 to Byron E and Mary (Skiles) Copeland of Shannon, Texas. She was the second of four children weighing in at 3 lbs. 6 oz. She was saved at the age of 12 at the Shannon Revival. She attended Shannon school until it consolidated with Antelope. After graduating valedictorian of the Antelope class of 1948, Sarah earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Midwestern State University in 1966 graduating Magna Cum Laude and named Outstanding Secondary Education Major. While in college, Sarah was awarded the Jerry Vinson Scholarship award, served as president for Alpha Chi Honor Society 1 year, member of Who’s Who, and Dean’s List. Upon college graduation, Sarah began her 30-year teaching career at Hirschi High School teaching English, journalism, and serving as chairman of the English department. She received the inaugural 1983 WFISD/West Foundation award for demonstrating Teaching Excellence and dedication to the improvement of education. She would go on to receive additional awards in 1986, 1987, and 1989. In 1990, after being named Teacher of the Year, Sarah became the supervisor of language arts and reading for Wichita Falls ISD until her retirement in 1996. She was a member of the Retired Teachers Association, Texas State Teachers Association, and EA Chapter of PEO. Sarah met Granvel (Grant) Wells on February 4, 1948 at a volleyball game in Antelope, Texas. After a six-month courtship, the couple married on August 7, 1948. Together they have one son, one grandson, and two great-granddaughters. In their early years, the couple lived in Jerymn and Jacksboro until they built a home in rural Clay County on family land in 1954. They were married 71 years, and Grant remained by her side until the very last breath holding her hand. Sarah, affectionately called Nana by her grandchildren, loved spending time with her family, and her family loved spending time with her. You could find Nana in the bleachers offering support at school events. She often sat and talked for hours wanting to know all about what was going on at school or work. She was an excellent listener. Nana valued higher education and often paid tuition to help offset costs. She was an excellent cook and treated her family to numerous Sunday lunches after church and hosted Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts. For birthdays, she made her infamous triple layer German chocolate cake, a true treat for all. She enjoyed reading, loved shoes, tending to her Iris garden, working cross word puzzles, visiting with her sister, sewing numerous dresses for her great grand-daughters, and quilting. Each family member received a special handmade quilt to treasure for years to come. Sarah was a lifelong member of the Antelope Methodist Church where she served on the board of directors, taught Sunday school, and played the piano for over 70 years. She was director of Shannon Cemetery and served on the Shannon Cemetery history committee, the Antelope Ex-student’s Association, and supported the Antelope Jamboree by making too many pies to count. Sarah was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Gene and Joe Copeland. She is survived by her husband Grant Wells; son Gary Wells and wife Linda; grandson Mark Wells and wife Jenny; great-granddaughters Ashley and Kristen Wells; sister and best friend Mary Sue (Susie) Wells and husband J.P all of Antelope, Texas; many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and extended family. The family has immense gratitude for Sarah’s wonderful caregivers, church family, friends, and supporters who bestowed countless blessings on her and her family during her illness, especially Stormi, Bambi, and Adriana with Hospice of Wichita Falls. Memorials can be made to the Antelope Volunteer Fire Department or Antelope United Methodist Church. Farewell visitors will be accepted from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15th at Coker Funeral home in Jacksboro, Texas.

Sarah Beryle Wells

April 12, 1931 - April 12, 2020