A Tribute to a Queen Mother Gail V. Wells
Gail V. Wells
The Homegoing Service for Gail V. Wells, one of the most respected women in our community, was held on Saturday, June 4, 2024 at the True Bethel Baptist Church located at 907 East Ferry Street in Buffalo, New York. Bishop Darius G. Pridgen is the pastor of True Bethel. The service for Gail V. Wells was beautiful as the com munity came out in love and respect. The best drummers, dancers, poets, and others paid tribute to her in words and song.
This Columnist was saddened to hear of the passing of Sister Gail. She was more than a community icon. She was a Royal Elder. These words remind me of the Black Nationalist leader, Queen Mother Moore, who was named a Royal Elder in Harlem, New York where she worked for Culture and the dignity of Black people. Queen Mother Moore was given this name by the Ashanti people of Ghana. Gail V. Wells was a Queen Mother who had a passion for social justice, her activism was for the empowerment of the Black community.
Her obituary cites her leadership as a visionary and a community advocate. Queen Mother Gail founded the Buffalo Freedom Gardens in 2020 to address food inse curity by providing urban gardens to underserved neighborhoods. She did more than talk about food insecurity, she did something about it before the term was as popular as it is today. With 29 years of experience in collegiate education at Buffalo State University and a background in Public Policy/Administration and Urban Planning from SUNY University at Buffalo, her passion for social justice drove all aspects of her work. Her dedi cation to creating welcoming communities, promoting diversity, and empowering BIPOC students earned her prestigious awards and recognition, including “The Dean’s Medal” from the University of Buffalo School of Architecture and Urban Design. This Columnist met Gail at the University of Buffalo on December 4, 2016. This was the first pre-Kwanzaa program held at the University. I witnessed first-hand the respect of the students at UB that they had for her. She met me with a hug and a warm smile. Since that time, I would also meet her at the Jesse Clipper monument on William and Michigan. The last time was at the Slow Roll where a tribute to Jesse Clipper was held. Jesse Clipper was the first African American to die in World War 1 from Buffalo. Gail took care of the gardens and land around the monument.
As a Master Gardener she had a commitment to land conservancy, and environmental sustainability and com munity development. This columnist listened to her ra dio show that aired on WUFO called “Growing Health.” It was extremely informative. I learned what soil to use with my plants. Gail V. Wells also spoke at my church First Shiloh Baptist church to a packed audience. She left us with valuable information on how to grow plants in our yards and also in pots. This was life-giving infor mation for good health. She has inspired hundreds of people with her work and a mission to feed and heal through grassroots gardening. She has left a model for everyone in the community to implement for the good of all. We must never forget Queen Mother Gail V. Wells. I would like to see a plaque or a mural of her in the area where she worked around the African American Heritage Corridor. She was the Marketing Director for the Corridor. Her list of accomplishments are legion!
Bishop Darius G. Pridgen gave the Eulogy at the ser vice emphasizing her passion and dedication to the com munity. Gail V. Wells leaves to mourn, her husband of over 40 years Jim Horne, one daughter, Maisha (Ray Ramsey); sons, Jamal Horne and Jeff Varem; grandsons Cairo Ramsey and Tor Yohan’e Varem; granddaughter, Terna Elizabeth Varem; two sisters, Sandra Wells Merlene Wells - Brewer (Elbert; two first cousins, Linda Cato (Tiffany and Jonathan) and Marci Redmond (Allen); two nephews, Adam Wells and Madan Brewer; one niece Dasia Brewer; sister friend, Alnisa Banks (Leah and Shola); numerous nieces, nephews, a host of relatives, friends, and former students, mentees, and colleagues. My condolences to the family of Gail.
Rest Peacefully, our Royal Queen Mother Gail V. Wells!!