Nolan Xavier Wells Is Laid To Rest During Funeral Service
The funeral service for Nolan Xavier Wells has kicked off in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, at the Center Pointe Church. Per a press release shared by Christine Wonsley, Wells’ mom, Attorney Ben Crump, and Reverend Al Sharpton, the service was expected to be held for at least two hours.
As the service got underway, things kicked off with a performance from the church’s choir. From there, Reverend Al Sharpton took the stage, leading a prayer.
“We’ve come to celebrate the life of this young man, Nolan Xavier Wells,” Sharpton prayed before going on to acknowledge the grief of his parents, siblings, and family. “We don’t have words or anything that we can give, but you have the strength and the power to hold them up, and we ask for that strength today… Let us pursue justice. Whatever the situations are that led to this, let every stone be turned back… and let truth pop out of the ground like a flower…”
After his prayer, Rev. Al Sharpton introduced Christine Wonsley and Elmore Wonsley, Nolan Wells’ dad, to the stage. Christine wore a shortsleeved dress and a blue ribbon with Wells’ picture. Meanwhile, Elmore wore a suit and dark sunglasses.
From there, Christine shared her prayer and spoke about the “privilege” of experiencing “God’s love” through her son. Furthermore, she shared that they will “miss everything” about her son. Specifically, she noted his “gentle smile.” And how he made everyone feel “at ease.”
“Your absence has left an emptiness that will never be filled. a piece of our hearts will forever be missing,” she said before going on to share how proud she and his dad are of the late teen.
Before concluding, she asked the public to share his stories. Additionally, she asked the public to “never stop saying his name” so that his “light” could continue to shine.
Keep scrolling to see more LIVE UPDATES about the service and tributes to Nolan Xavier Wells.
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At that point, Nolan’s dad, Elmore Wonsley, took the stage and shared his experience teaching his son lessons about life, sports, and beyond. After his speech, Reverend Al Sharpton asked Wells’ siblings to stand and be greeted by the audience. Afterward, Sharpton reiterated that the family deserves justice and answers.
“I do not think that it is appropriate for either side of opinions to prevail without… investigation,” Sharpton stated. So let’s not judge either way until all of the evidence is in.
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At that point, the Reverend acknowledged the hate mail recently received by Christine Wonsley.
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In his dispute over the hate mail and accusation that he and Ben Crump are out for money, Sharpton explained that he’ll be offering $50,000 to “anybody” who has information that can lead to an arrest and conviction in Wells’ case.
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Subsequently, Ben Crump took the stage, reiterating that Christine and Elmore desperately “want answers” and “justice about what happened to their child.”
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“Is that too much to ask?” Crump emphatically asked the crowd, before repeating. “Nolan’s life matters! Nolan’s life matters!”
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At that point, Rev. Sharpton told the crowd that Tyler Perry matched his $50,000 reward for answers leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in the 18-year-old’s death. Bringing the total reward to $100,000.
“Keep his story alive and say his name . . . NOLAN XAVIER WELLS! Nono just know your father and I will not stop advocating for you son. We are so proud of you and we love you. #JusticeForNolanWells#Forever18,” Wonsley wrote online.
In response, Facebook user Paige Mitchell LeDoux wrote in part, “To Nolan’s family, Christine Wonsley Elmore Wonsley if you ever happen to read this, I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. From one grieving parent to another, my heart truly aches for you. I pray you receive the answers you’re searching for, and I pray they’re based on truth—not rumors. Above all else, I hope people remember that before this became headlines, hashtags, and viral videos, Nolan was a son who was deeply loved.”
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Additionally, Facebook user Chen’ell Peterson wrote in part, “Today is one of those days that reminds us how precious and fragile life truly is. As the family and friends of Nolan Xavier Wells gather to celebrate his life and say their earthly goodbyes, may you find comfort in the love that surrounds you.”
Furthermore, Facebook user Nee-Nee Unworthy No More wrote in part, “Mr. and Mrs. Wonsley (parents of Nolan Wells) and every loved one standing in this storm, may you feel the strength of a nation holding you up. In the midst of unimaginable pain, you have shown courage, dignity, and unwavering love for Nolan.”
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Pictures From The Service
Funeral services are being held in Ocean Springs for Xavier Nolan Wells today. Sending my condolences and prayers to his family. ❤️🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/eZ999uvzbD
Jadriena “Jade” Solomon is a journalist and editor, specializing in beauty, fashion, entertainment, and culture. A graduate of CUNY Brooklyn College’s Journalism and Media Studies program, she began her career in 2015, publishing independent op-ed articles, and has since built a strong digital media portfolio across reporting, editing, and hosting for major media companies.
As The Shade Room’s Senior Editor, Jadriena helps lead editorial direction, manages writers and editors, and has contributed more than 2,600 stories with over 45M page views since her start in 2022. Her past roles include contributing and staff positions at HelloBeautiful, Blavity News, 21Ninety, and Bronze Magazine. She has interviewed talents such as Tamron Hall, Eboni K. Williams, Tia Mowry, LeToya Luckett, Salt-N-Pepa, and more.