Obituary for Kenneth Wells
Kenneth Allen Wells, also affectionately known as “Kentone” was born
on June 24, 1967 in Chicago, Illinois to Earnest Norris and Vera Wells.
Kenneth was educated in the Chicago Public School System and
attended Ulysses S. Grant Elementary School and Richard T. Crane High
School.
Kenneth confessed his faith and accepted Christ through water baptism
at Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late
Reverend J. W. Phillips.
Kentone was a dedicated and hard worker with a strong work ethic.
He was employed with Wintrust Arena through Aramark Food & Supply
Services, Bimbo Bakeries, Monterrey Security, T&T Foods, NW
Construction Company, Christy Webber Landscaping, A+ Cleaning and
Maintenance and Graebel Movers. Although his career included numerous secular jobs, he always expressed a desire to
be his “own boss” and start a business one day. He was an ambitious visionary who always dreamed big and set high
goals for himself. Driven by his entrepreneurial aspirations, he successfully founded and managed several businesses in-
cluding: One Tear, Ash Life Entertainment LLC, and T’Sirron Apparel LLC.
Kentone loved life and cared deeply for his family. He was a sincere, down-to-earth person with a great sense of humor.
He loved to clown around with family and friends and was a true prankster. If he rocked with you, he did and if he
didn’t, he didn’t. He had many comical sayings. When he heard stories on the news about someone who committed a
crime, he would say “Other than that, he ain’t gonna do it no more” and “now he know, not what to do”, he would also
often say, “I do it for family,” “if you stay ready, you ain’t got to get ready,” “and you know this” and “hey beloved.”
Kenny shared a special 14-year relationship with his partner and fiancé, Ms. Jerry F. Barry, who he loved dearly and
affectionately called “Bae or My Baby”.
On Monday, April 26, 2021, Kentone was called from labor to rest. His father, Earnest Norris, siblings, Jerome Wells,
Shenova Williams (brother-in-law Lucius Williams), and Alton Norris along with both sets of grandparents all preceded
him in death.
Kentone leaves to cherish his memory, a loving mother, Vera Wells, two sons, Jauan Harris, Las Vegas, NV and Kenneth
Harris Jr., Carbondale, IL, one step-daughter, Alicia Barry, Chicago, IL, partner/fiancé Ms. Jerry F. Barry, Chicago, IL,
six brothers, Robert Lee Norris (Adrian), Chicago, IL, Thurman Wells (Laris), Chicago, IL, Jerome Norris (Lois), Matteson,
IL, Charles Wells, Sr., Chicago, IL, Angelo Wells, Minneapolis, MN, Eddie Wells (Phyllis), Elgin, IL, three sisters, Virginia
Norris- Mason, Atlanta, GA, Gloria Wells, Chicago, IL, Kimberly Jones (Raymond Jr.), Chicago, IL, three grandchildren,
Traveon Stewart, Dolton, IL, Sierra Valentine, University Park, IL and Shamon Brown, Jr., Chicago, IL, one uncle, Leonza
Swan, Chicago, IL, a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, other relatives, friends and special
close friends, Anthony Lewis, Kevin White, Lawrence Boutte and Duron Hebron.
Kenny, we are all still in shock and disbelief that you are gone. We keep wanting to
wake up from this bad dream and see you walk through the door. You will truly be
missed, you already are, so we will hold on to the times and memories we had.
Though it is not going to be easy, we can smile and laugh thinking about the Crazy,
Funny and Loving Protector that you were. You will always hold a special place in
our hearts. Continue to watch over us, but as you always said, “Jehovah got us”.
We thank you and love you.
~Your little family, Alicia and Shamon
We your sisters and brothers stand motionless, consumed in grief.
Sorrow has arrived, with smiles thief. We’re gathered here, to mourn and cry.
Our questions pointing, at the clear blue sky. Why did you go, why did you leave?
Life without you, is so hard to conceive. Our hearts are damaged, and scarred
severely. We shall miss you, much more than dearly.
For having you in our lives, we’ve all been blessed.
But now the time have arrived, for you to rest. We promise to cherish our
memories of you. You shall live in our minds, and all that we do.
~Love your sisters and brothers”
What a bond to break. A life that God had to take. I won’t question God about the
decisions he makes. The pain I feel is unbearable. Family holidays, birthdays &
special occasions will never be the same. A piece of me is missing nothing will never
be the same. Even though you’re no longer here in the flesh. Big brother my soul is
comforted in knowing whatever you did you did your best.
~Your Baby Sis (Kim)
Even in the darkest days since we’ve been apart, memories of the times we shared
help to warm our hearts. Everyday we miss your smile that no-one can replace,
But still it brings me comfort in the sadness that I face. Life is full of mysteries that no
-one can explain, But I know someday, somewhere we will meet again.
Until we do I’ll find the strength to live through each new day.
Grateful for the happy years before you went away.
~Love Your Nieces and Nephews
My heart is full of memories.
With pride I speak your name.
It will never be the same.
~Your Loving Mother
As I write this poem with a tear-stained cheek I can’t help
but think of how much my uncle meant to me.
See, my uncle Kenny was a gem.
A hard body, a diamond in the rough and don’t you dare get
slick at the mouth with him cause you know he was tough!
A hustler, street smart, Rockwell’s finest. A heart full of gold,
and a spirit that shined like diamonds. Our family’s protector
he stayed real, never changed, no matter the weather
He loved to scream “I do it for my family!”
Every time all of us would get together And he did just that.
His words of wisdom and tough love will forever be embedded
in me I got it from here unc, I’ll make sure to continue
your legacy.
(An Ode to My Uncle Kenny) by Rakira Jones
Of all the many blessings and memories being your niece was one of my greatest
ones. The family chain has been broken and nothing will never be the same.
No I'm not ready to say goodbye even though I know it's a part of life.
Today my heart is heavy from losing you, but as I mourn your death
I will forever celebrate life.
~Your Favorite Niece NeNe
Musical Prelude ....................................................................................................................... Musician
Processional ................................................................................................................................ Family
Invocation Prayer .................................................................................................. Minister Louis McLain
Mount Ridge Missionary Baptist Church
Scripture ............................................................................................................. Evangelist Willa Phillips
Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church
Prayer ................................................................................................................ Evangelist Willa Phillips
Solo ................................................................................................................................ Ivin Phillips Jr.
Remarks ........................................................................................................................... 2 min. please
Acknowledgements and Resolutions .................................................................................. Shevonne Wells
Obituary .......................................................................................................................... Channel Wells
Solo - Deliver Me (This is my Exodus) by Le’Andria Johnson ................................................ Rashada Dawan
Special Reflections ................................................................................................................ Eddie Wells
Eulogy .................................................................................................................. Minister Louis McLain
Final Viewing .......................................................................................................................................
Benediction .............................................................................................................................. Minister
Recessional ................................................................................................................................ Family
Saturday, May 8, 2021
Wake: 10:00 a.m. Private Funeral: 10:30 a.m.
Smith and Thomas Funeral Home
5708 W. Madison St. Chicago, Illinois 60644
Minister Louis McLain, Officiating
Services will be streamed live on YouTube - Masks are required due to Covid
on June 24, 1967 in Chicago, Illinois to Earnest Norris and Vera Wells.
Kenneth was educated in the Chicago Public School System and
attended Ulysses S. Grant Elementary School and Richard T. Crane High
School.
Kenneth confessed his faith and accepted Christ through water baptism
at Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late
Reverend J. W. Phillips.
Kentone was a dedicated and hard worker with a strong work ethic.
He was employed with Wintrust Arena through Aramark Food & Supply
Services, Bimbo Bakeries, Monterrey Security, T&T Foods, NW
Construction Company, Christy Webber Landscaping, A+ Cleaning and
Maintenance and Graebel Movers. Although his career included numerous secular jobs, he always expressed a desire to
be his “own boss” and start a business one day. He was an ambitious visionary who always dreamed big and set high
goals for himself. Driven by his entrepreneurial aspirations, he successfully founded and managed several businesses in-
cluding: One Tear, Ash Life Entertainment LLC, and T’Sirron Apparel LLC.
Kentone loved life and cared deeply for his family. He was a sincere, down-to-earth person with a great sense of humor.
He loved to clown around with family and friends and was a true prankster. If he rocked with you, he did and if he
didn’t, he didn’t. He had many comical sayings. When he heard stories on the news about someone who committed a
crime, he would say “Other than that, he ain’t gonna do it no more” and “now he know, not what to do”, he would also
often say, “I do it for family,” “if you stay ready, you ain’t got to get ready,” “and you know this” and “hey beloved.”
Kenny shared a special 14-year relationship with his partner and fiancé, Ms. Jerry F. Barry, who he loved dearly and
affectionately called “Bae or My Baby”.
On Monday, April 26, 2021, Kentone was called from labor to rest. His father, Earnest Norris, siblings, Jerome Wells,
Shenova Williams (brother-in-law Lucius Williams), and Alton Norris along with both sets of grandparents all preceded
him in death.
Kentone leaves to cherish his memory, a loving mother, Vera Wells, two sons, Jauan Harris, Las Vegas, NV and Kenneth
Harris Jr., Carbondale, IL, one step-daughter, Alicia Barry, Chicago, IL, partner/fiancé Ms. Jerry F. Barry, Chicago, IL,
six brothers, Robert Lee Norris (Adrian), Chicago, IL, Thurman Wells (Laris), Chicago, IL, Jerome Norris (Lois), Matteson,
IL, Charles Wells, Sr., Chicago, IL, Angelo Wells, Minneapolis, MN, Eddie Wells (Phyllis), Elgin, IL, three sisters, Virginia
Norris- Mason, Atlanta, GA, Gloria Wells, Chicago, IL, Kimberly Jones (Raymond Jr.), Chicago, IL, three grandchildren,
Traveon Stewart, Dolton, IL, Sierra Valentine, University Park, IL and Shamon Brown, Jr., Chicago, IL, one uncle, Leonza
Swan, Chicago, IL, a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, other relatives, friends and special
close friends, Anthony Lewis, Kevin White, Lawrence Boutte and Duron Hebron.
Kenny, we are all still in shock and disbelief that you are gone. We keep wanting to
wake up from this bad dream and see you walk through the door. You will truly be
missed, you already are, so we will hold on to the times and memories we had.
Though it is not going to be easy, we can smile and laugh thinking about the Crazy,
Funny and Loving Protector that you were. You will always hold a special place in
our hearts. Continue to watch over us, but as you always said, “Jehovah got us”.
We thank you and love you.
~Your little family, Alicia and Shamon
We your sisters and brothers stand motionless, consumed in grief.
Sorrow has arrived, with smiles thief. We’re gathered here, to mourn and cry.
Our questions pointing, at the clear blue sky. Why did you go, why did you leave?
Life without you, is so hard to conceive. Our hearts are damaged, and scarred
severely. We shall miss you, much more than dearly.
For having you in our lives, we’ve all been blessed.
But now the time have arrived, for you to rest. We promise to cherish our
memories of you. You shall live in our minds, and all that we do.
~Love your sisters and brothers”
What a bond to break. A life that God had to take. I won’t question God about the
decisions he makes. The pain I feel is unbearable. Family holidays, birthdays &
special occasions will never be the same. A piece of me is missing nothing will never
be the same. Even though you’re no longer here in the flesh. Big brother my soul is
comforted in knowing whatever you did you did your best.
~Your Baby Sis (Kim)
Even in the darkest days since we’ve been apart, memories of the times we shared
help to warm our hearts. Everyday we miss your smile that no-one can replace,
But still it brings me comfort in the sadness that I face. Life is full of mysteries that no
-one can explain, But I know someday, somewhere we will meet again.
Until we do I’ll find the strength to live through each new day.
Grateful for the happy years before you went away.
~Love Your Nieces and Nephews
My heart is full of memories.
With pride I speak your name.
It will never be the same.
~Your Loving Mother
As I write this poem with a tear-stained cheek I can’t help
but think of how much my uncle meant to me.
See, my uncle Kenny was a gem.
A hard body, a diamond in the rough and don’t you dare get
slick at the mouth with him cause you know he was tough!
A hustler, street smart, Rockwell’s finest. A heart full of gold,
and a spirit that shined like diamonds. Our family’s protector
he stayed real, never changed, no matter the weather
He loved to scream “I do it for my family!”
Every time all of us would get together And he did just that.
His words of wisdom and tough love will forever be embedded
in me I got it from here unc, I’ll make sure to continue
your legacy.
(An Ode to My Uncle Kenny) by Rakira Jones
Of all the many blessings and memories being your niece was one of my greatest
ones. The family chain has been broken and nothing will never be the same.
No I'm not ready to say goodbye even though I know it's a part of life.
Today my heart is heavy from losing you, but as I mourn your death
I will forever celebrate life.
~Your Favorite Niece NeNe
Musical Prelude ....................................................................................................................... Musician
Processional ................................................................................................................................ Family
Invocation Prayer .................................................................................................. Minister Louis McLain
Mount Ridge Missionary Baptist Church
Scripture ............................................................................................................. Evangelist Willa Phillips
Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church
Prayer ................................................................................................................ Evangelist Willa Phillips
Solo ................................................................................................................................ Ivin Phillips Jr.
Remarks ........................................................................................................................... 2 min. please
Acknowledgements and Resolutions .................................................................................. Shevonne Wells
Obituary .......................................................................................................................... Channel Wells
Solo - Deliver Me (This is my Exodus) by Le’Andria Johnson ................................................ Rashada Dawan
Special Reflections ................................................................................................................ Eddie Wells
Eulogy .................................................................................................................. Minister Louis McLain
Final Viewing .......................................................................................................................................
Benediction .............................................................................................................................. Minister
Recessional ................................................................................................................................ Family
Saturday, May 8, 2021
Wake: 10:00 a.m. Private Funeral: 10:30 a.m.
Smith and Thomas Funeral Home
5708 W. Madison St. Chicago, Illinois 60644
Minister Louis McLain, Officiating
Services will be streamed live on YouTube - Masks are required due to Covid