Alma Wells Badgett

Alma Jean Wells Badgett was born in Knoxville, Tennessee on February 24, 1946.  
She graduated from Austin High School in 1964.  She attended Knoxville College, as well as the University of Tennessee.  

Alma began her career working for Dempster Brothers for fifteen years. She was the first black person hired in their Administration Department.  She was employed by the Carrier Corporation for another fifteen years.  After being laid off, she pursued a career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Washington, D.C. She worked there for six years before transferring to the Knoxville Division where she worked for another fourteen years before retiring on June 30, 2008.  

Alma joined Clinton Chapel A.M. E. Zion Church at the age of thirteen serving the church in many roles.  She sang in the choir and served on the usher board. Also, she was assistant to the then church secretary, Mrs. Grace L. Holmes, who taught her about the A. M. E. Zion Church and Missionaries.  Later, Alma became president of the Missionary Society for ten plus years. Her service continued as president of the Bettylee Alleyne Circle for many years and as the Trustee Chairman. Alma was a faithful worker and servant in all capacities. 

Alma was called home on June 4, 2021, in Rochester, New York.

Preceded in death by her mother Mary E. Wells and sisters Alfredda Wells and Patricia Ann Wells Love.            

She leaves to mourn her passing: daughter, Mary Lynn (Robert) Wells-Sheppard of Fairport, New York; two beautiful grandchildren, Sydney Nicole Sheppard and Jordan Ali Sheppard of Fairport, New York; three nieces, Blenza Love of Guthrie, Oklahoma, Sylvia (Ronald) Johnson of Luther, Oklahoma and Cynthia (LaMonte) Henderson of Little Rock, Arkansas; three nephews, Alfred Love, Jr. and Reginald Love, both of Langston, Oklahoma and Michael (Henrietta) Love of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; twelve great nieces and nephews; eleven great-great nephews, one great-great niece; many cousins and friends to include devoted cousins, Richard (Carolyn) Wright and dear friend of the family, Carl Gable.

Tuesday, June 29, 2021,  a public walkthrough is scheduled from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Clinton Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church, 546 College Street, Knoxville TN.  Social distancing and face coverings are required.  A funeral service to follow for immediate family and close friends.  Reverend Dr. John A. Butler is the eulogist.  Entombment at Sherwood Memorial Gardens, Alcoa, TN, where a white dove release will conclude the service.  Flowers may be delivered to the church the afternoon of the walkthrough.  Professional arrangements entrusted to Patton Funeral Home, Brian L. Buckmon, LFD 1-800-824-8283 or www.pattonfuneralhome1962.com. 

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