Betty Wells: Comforting those who need it most

Her quilts have likely brought much comfort to others when they needed it the most. 

Betty Wells, 87, a finalist for the 2009 Freedom Torch Award for community service, has spent her life sewing and giving quilts to others.

Hurricane victims, newborns, cancer patients, friends and family have all received thousands of quilts from Wells. Most recently, Wells has given 25 lap quilts to Bothwell Regional Health Center’s Hospice. She is working on seven more. Wells would like to donate 100 quilts for cancer patients.

“Usually when I start a quilt, it’s got a home,” Wells said. “It already knows where it’s going.”

Many of the quilt recipients are strangers. Wells gave three quilts for volunteers with Meals on Wheels to give to folks who needed them the most. She wanted the gift to be anonymous, but one woman insisted on calling to thank her. 

The woman later died, and Wells found out from the woman’s daughter it was “one of her mother’s prized possessions.

“Her daughter got the quilt,” an emotional Wells said. “That really touched me.”

Wells has her own ideas about why a quilt is such a meaningful gift.

“Well, it’s made with love,” she said. “It’s warm, and something they can treasure for years. And, it’s something they can be proud of that someone thought enough to spend that much time on them.”

Making the quilts is time- consuming. Wells said it takes the most time cutting and assembling the quilt pattern. She uses an old Singer sewing machine to do the quilting. 

Wells enjoys giving to others, but she also finds sewing and crocheting therapeutic. Wells can be “in the dumps” and have her spirits lifted by starting a new quilt.

“It just keeps your mind occupied,” she said. “I really enjoy it.”

Wells’ father always said she started sewing at age 2. Wells remembers making doll clothes and helping her own grandmother quilt. 

“I could sew all day and all night,” Wells said.

Her husband, Leon, said Wells has “sewed from Canada to Mexico.” The Wellses used to travel a lot in their recreational vehicle. Betty Wells had two sewing machines; one for the house and one for the RV. 

A woman Wells met on one of many fishing trips to Bennett Springs taught her how to make potholders. She has made hundreds of them since, giving them away to favorite waitresses, friends, neighbors and others. Wells makes about five to six a week, and has a stockpile in her dining room.

Wells gave away 45 potholders at her own birthday party a couple years ago.

“They said that was the first time they went to a birthday party and got something,” Wells said.

Mary Frances Herndon, Wells’ sister, nominated her for the Freedom Torch Award for Community Service. 

“I thought it was great I had a sister who cared that much,” Wells said of the nomination.

“I’m tickled too,” Leon Wells said. “She deserves it.”

Herndon said Wells inspires her and others by continuing to contribute to society after 87 years. 

“She makes many wonderful things, and just gives them away to people. I thought she needed a little pat on the back for that,” Herndon said. “She doesn’t ever ask for any recognition, and I thought she needed some.”

Betty Wells said she intends to continue making and giving quilts and potholders as long as she’s capable.

“I’m thankful I have eyesight, and I can sit and sew and enjoy it,” she said. “Not everyone at 87 can do things like that.”