Barbara Wells Spires

Barbara Ann Wells Spires, a beloved Mother, ‘Mudda’, and friend, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 20, 2025. Born September 6, 1935 in Abbeville, SC, Barbara was the cherished daughter of the late Dee Coy and Eliza Hall Wells.

Barbara dedicated her life to serving and caring for others. After earning her Nursing Degree from Baroness Erlanger Hospital School of Nursing in Chattanooga, TN in 1968, she spent many years providing compassionate care to those in need. Her dedication to others did not stop there – she later pursued a teaching certificate and shared her knowledge and nurturing spirit with high school students for eight years. However, her true calling remained in nursing and she returned to her roots in healthcare until her well-earned retirement.

Barbara was known for her infectious laughter, her caregiving heart and her love of cooking and hosting family gatherings. Her legacy of kindness, compassion and selflessness will be remembered by all who knew her. Barbara’s family and friends take comfort in knowing that her spirit will live on in the many lives she touched.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Evelyn Townsend and Hazel Fisher; brother, Dale Wells; and her great-granddaughter, Briana Carruth.

Mrs. Spires is survived by her children, Carlton Staples, daughter-in-love, Jennifer Staples, both of Ocala, FL, Nancy McKelley of Greenwood, SC and Gabriel Staples of Atlanta, GA; her sister, Gail Uldrick of Abbeville, SC; three grandchildren, Brandi Carruth (Shane) of Greenwood, SC, Justin McKelley (Jessica) of Honea Path, SC and Danielle Tebo (Keith) of Simpsonville, SC; four great-grandchildren, Dawson Carruth, Arthur and Collin Tebo and Eliza McKelley, along with her loving caregiver, Alisha Marshall.

The family will receive friends 1:00PM – 2:00PM, Sunday, March 23, 2025, at Harris Funeral Home. Funeral services will begin at 2:30PM in the funeral home chapel. A reception will be held immediately following the service in the Abbeville Presbyterian Church fellowship hall. There will be a private burial in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be sent to https://www.ptc.edu/about/foundation/ways-give (please specify for the Briana J. Carruth Memorial Scholarship) or to https://curesarcoma.org/ways-to-help/honor-memorial-giving/dedications/briana-jean-carruth/ for the Briana Carruth Memorial to honor her great-granddaughter, Briana J. Carruth.

The family is at the home in Abbeville, SC

A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com.

Harris Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Abbeville is assisting the Spires family.