M. Delayne Wells

M. Delayne Wells, 87, died at the home of her son surrounded by family on July 26, 2025, in Sebastian, Florida.

Delayne was born June 23, 1938 in Atlanta, Georgia, only child of her late parents, Delos Lincoln Wells of Albuquerque, NM, and Laura Josephine "Jo" (Sewell) Wells of Atlanta. Delayne grew up living between Atlanta with her mother and her ancestral home in Lone Oak, GA, with her grandmother Mattie Sewell, and aunts Martha and Kathleen Sewell. She graduated from Hogansville High school in 1956 and attended North Georgia College in Dahlonega, Georgia in 1957.

Surviving are her three children, Robert Stan Barber (Janet), Sebastian, FL; Jan Delayne Ryms, Tyrone, GA; and Marc Wells Barber (Rejan), Cathedral City, CA; Grandson, Avery Jorin Ryms, Tyrone, GA. Delayne was married to Robert E. Barber (1937-2014 ) of Luthersville, GA. She is also survived by first cousins Wendy (Whelchel) Barnes of Georgia, and Tom Sewell (Carla) of Alabama; Step-sister and step-brother, Beverly Wagner and Warren Gehrett. She is survived by many other close friends and relatives. She is predeceased by her first cousin, Wayne Sewell, of Canton, GA.

Delayne and her family lived in Decatur, GA, Memphis, TN, and Grafton, WI. While living in Wisconsin, she continued her education at the University of Wisconsin, majoring in Geography and also received her Wisconsin Real Estate Broker's license. She divorced and moved to Orlando, FL in 1983, where she started Action Travel Agency. After selling the travel business in 1990, she worked as Concierge for the Orlando World Center Marriott Orlando. In 1993, Delayne moved to Indialantic, FL, where she resided until recently.

Delayne loved to travel and explored the world whenever she could. She found lifelong enjoyment from researching her family history and was a wealth of information about her lineage and local lore. She was involved with numerous lineage organizations, including the Daughters of the American Revolution since 1971. She loved music, the arts, and various crafts. Delayne was always active in church and found her path within her faith wherever she lived.

The family will receive guests at Claude A. McKibben and Sons Funeral Home in Hogansville, GA between 4:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., Friday, August 1, for anyone wishing to pay their respects.

A Funeral Service will be held at the Allen-Lee Memorial United Methodist Church in Lone Oak, GA at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 2, with graveside service to follow in the church cemetery at the Sewell family plot.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Allen-Lee Memorial United Methodist Church General Fund or Cemetery Maintenance Fund.

Claude A. McKibben and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.