November 7, 1963 – June 24, 2024
With immense sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved Dr. Mekole “Lisa” Wells, who departed this life at the age of 60.
Born on November 7, 1963, in Bakersfield, CA, Mekole “Lisa” Wells was the cherished daughter of Willie Ray Weldon and Emma Lee Dixon-Weldon. Her two older brothers, William Erwin Weldon and Willy Ray Weldon Jr., eagerly awaited the arrival of their baby sister, showering her with love throughout her life. Lisa was a true daddy’s girl, her eyes lighting up whenever he entered the room, a love he reciprocated by doting on her endlessly.
Lisa's educational journey began at Saint John Lutheran Church Elementary School, followed by Emerson Junior High School, and culminated at Bakersfield High School, where she exuberantly embodied the school mascot, Dottie Driller, alongside Dan Driller. After high school, Lisa attended and completed studies at the University of Southern California (USC), majoring in theatre arts. She continued her dramatic studies at New York University before spending a year in London, England. Upon her return to NYU, she completed a Master's in Drama and legally changed her name to Mekole Pfiffer Wells. In 2011, she completed a second Master’s degree from Walden University in Nonprofit Management and Organizational Leadership.
Pursuing her acting dreams, Mekole lived in Chicago and North Carolina, eventually starring in the Vagina Monologues in San Francisco, Ain’t Misbehavin’ in North Carolina, and the Chicago production of Menopause the Musical, starring as The Power Woman in 2003. A gifted jazz singer and recording artist, she captivated audiences with her vocal talent, a hallmark of the Weldon musical legacy. Her first album, Elesa, was followed by her critically acclaimed album, Full Circle, released in 2007. A consummate artist, Mekole was also a sought-after motivational speaker, podcaster, artist, author, and painter.
Mekole’s entrepreneurial spirit shone through when she founded a bodybuilding and fitness company. Acting as a wellness coach, she empowered plus-size women to transform their lives through lifestyle changes, exercise, and diet. Her gym, Memphis 40/50 Fit Health, offered group classes and personal training sessions five days a week.
Balancing her business and competitive bodybuilding, Lisa pursued a doctoral degree at Walden University. Her dissertation, "Leading by Example: The Importance of African American Men in the Academic Progressions of African American Boys," was presented on July 26, 2023, earning her Ph.D. on January 20, 2024.
Inspired by her mother Emma Weldon, an educator of children with special needs, Mekole’s passion for education eventually led her to Garrison Elementary School in Washington, D.C., where she thrived as a long-term substitute teacher. Her dedication to helping children excel academically, particularly young black male students, made learning enjoyable and impactful, endearing her to students, peers, and administrators alike.
Mekole also thrived in education in the non-profit sector in Chicago, North Carolina, Baltimore, and Washington, DC. She founded the Better Me Project, Inc. to service underserved communities in 2012. She also served as a board member of the Sycamore Project to raise funds and campaign against domestic violence, a project she was very passionate about.
Mekole was a daughter, a sister, an aunt and a cousin. Throughout her colorful life, she touched the lives of many. On June 23, 2024, Mekole was called to His heavenly embrace. Her radiant spirit, beauty, and larger-than-life personality will be eternally missed by all who knew her.
Dr. Mekole Wells is preceded in death by her parents; uncle, Charles Weldon, Sr.; aunts, Anna L. Weldon, Nyla Jewel Weldon, and Ella Mae Weldon. She is survived by her brothers, William Erwin Weldon (Linda) and Willie Ray Weldon Jr.; sister-in-law Janice Boyd-Weldon; nieces, Brandee Weldon, Valerie Weldon-Dabney; nephews, Brandon Weldon, Sr., Andre Weldon and Averi Weldon (Jessica); and many cherished great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, friends, clients, and students.
Service arrangements are currently pending and will be updated as details become available.
Dr. Mekole Wells, born Frances Elesa “Lisa” Weldon is the daughter of the late Willie Ray Weldon, Sr. and Emma Lee Weldon; Granddaughter of Beatrice “Bea” Weldon & Roosevelt Weldon; Great-Granddaughter of Effie Alford-Jennings & Anderson Jennings; and Great-Great-Granddaughter of Matthew Solomon Alford & Lucy Berry-Alford.
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Please continue to pray for the Weldon family as they continue to grieve the sudden loss of our beloved Mekole aka Lisa.
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