Victor Stuart Wells

Victor Stuart Wells, 67, of Durham, died peacefully November 6, 2024, at Duke University Medical Center after losing his hard-fought battle with a relatively recently diagnosed, aggressive lymphoma.  

The son of the late James Shelton Wells, Sr. and Marie Whitehurst Wells, he was born and raised in Greenville, NC. He graduated from J.H. Rose High School in 1975 and in 1979 from The University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism. From 1979 to 1995 he held numerous journalistic positions in NC and VA before joining the staff of the Duke University News Service where he was a joyful presence until his retirement in 2022. It was a great fit for him given his love for journalism from an early age and his warm relationships with his colleagues.

Apart from journalism, his greatest loves were his partner of 27 years, David Susco, M.D., with whom he traveled extensively, his family, many close friends, including his very active involvement with his Watts Street Baptist Church family. In addition to David, survivors include his brother James S. Wells Jr. and his wife, Elizabeth Carpenter Wells of Hillsborough; brother William T. Wells and his wife Sally DeGraff Wells of Winston-Salem; and nephews Peter Wells (Kayoko) of Decatur, GA, Mark Wells (Elizabeth) of Durham, and Jonah Winterhalder (Mary) of Winston-Salem. He is also survived and loved by Peter’s children Erika, Kazuki, and Kouki and Jonah’s son Morrison. He will be especially remembered for his affable demeanor, gentle manner, his kind and thoughtful attitude toward everyone, and his generous, loving spirit.   

A celebration of his life will be held at noon, Saturday, December 7, at Watts Street Baptist Church, Durham, NC. A shloshim service will also take place on Thursday, December 5 at 6:00 pm at Beth El Synagogue.   

Stuart’s family appreciates the very competent and caring treatment provided by everyone at DUMC. Memorial gifts may be made to Watts Street Baptist Church or to the charity of one’s choice.