On Thursday, January 22, 2026, Dr. Melinda Wells left this earthly plain.

Summer 2026: Lisa Ryan will organize a commemorative Zumba thon on the Riverfront for anyone who wants to learn Zumba and celebrate Dr. Melinda Wells’ Life!

                                                                                                           Written by Linda:

My life has been a fulfilling journey made spectacular at times by events and people which all arrived by happenstance and shaped my moments. Thanks I give to that special spirit whose guidance made me more aware of my soul. This soul never lost faith in me even though I was at times full of self-doubt. Words of wisdom and guidance were given to me and others without conceit.

My father who passed away in 2006 was also a mentor. Sometimes the lessons I learned from him were more how not to proceed than how to, but every lesson was valuable.

I thank all of you who are reading this who have found a place in your lives for me. I appreciate it more than you will ever know.

Dr. Melinda Wells was a life-long educator. Her long and distinguished teaching career started at Clover Jr. High and Sullivan Jr. High in Rock Hill, South Carolina. This was followed by one year in Rowland Heights Jr. High in Los Angeles County California. She then returned to South Carolina and taught at Crescent Park Elementary to start their special education program. This was followed with her time at the South Carolina School of the Blind.

Dr. Wells then brought her teaching skills to West High School in Sioux City, Iowa, for 22 years. A quick return to South Carolina at Middleton High School in Charleston, South Carolina for one year. She then returned to the Midwest and South Sioux City High School for 22 years where she established the Cardinal House. Dr. Wells then completed her teaching career at East High School, in Sioux City, Iowa, co-teaching 11th grade English. Her prominent educational career included being an adjunct educator at Wayne State College, Wayne, Nebraska.

I am preceded in death by both my mother, Mary Florence Threatt Shuford and my father, Francis (Frank) Shuford.

My daughter, Hope, and my granddaughter, Evie Johnson, remain behind to make the Shuford name proud. Shuford is Hope’s middle name. Called Mom by many and survived by many friends.

                                                  Hold dear this time you have on earth, and smile when thinking of leaving.