Essie Lee Wells was one of six children born to the late Henton and Ammie Wells, in Olgethorpe, Georgia. She attended Georgia Public Schools. Around the age of seventeen, she moved to Detroit, Michigan with her family, where she joined Greater New Mount Moriah Baptist Church.

Essie met the love of her life, Luther Beverly, whom she married, on May 9 ^th , 1959. She had three children, Jessie Wells, precedes her in death. Left to cherish her memories, are her loving husband, Luther; two children, Anthony Beverly, and Veronica Beverly Jackson; four grandchildren, Porchia and Siera Durant, Anthony, Jr. and Alexandra Beverly; one great-granddaughter, Mariah; one brother, Alvin Wells (Linda); and a loving Goddaughter, Carol Carter (Ronald). Along with a host of nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law, and friends.

Essie was a family person who enjoyed family gatherings, cooking and planting flowers. In her passion for cooking, she was the Supervisor at the University of Detroit's Dining Services. Later in her life, with Luther, she became a successful owner and operator of a Record Shop and Grocery Store. When she and Luther retired, they moved to Madison Heights, Virginia, to their newly built home. She attended Bolling Hill Baptist Church, where she joined the Hospitality Ministry.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, March 18, 2023, at Bolling Hill Baptist Church. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Service of comfort rendered by Davis-Turner Funeral Service.