Jennifer Leigh Wells, 21, beloved daughter, granddaughter, sister, aunt, cousin and friend passed away peacefully September 10, 2006 surrounded by her family. She is survived by her parents Cindy and Tom Payne of Charlottesville and her father Jamie Wells of Glen Allen, Virginia; her grandmother Jane Wells, her grandfathers James Dowell and Tucker Payne; her sister Wendy Shifflett, her brothers Thomas (T.D.) Payne, Bradley and Aaron Wells; her niece and nephew Leigha Shifflett and Ryan Shifflett. In addition she is survived by her aunts, uncles and cousins: Barbara Rickards and her children Maya Rickards, Meredith Frazier, Josh and Kelly Richardson; Suzanne and Warren Collier; Wendy and Mike Passerell; Jamie and John DeVore and their daughter Rachel; Donna and Ricky Barbour and their daughters Lisa Forehand and Jennifer Barbour; Tim and Kaki Payne and their children Timothy, Lauren, Maggie and Sara; Kenny and Lillian Payne and their son Kevin; Rise Gaines and her daughters Annie and Karen; Jon and Dawn Wells and their children Naomi, Abigail and Nathan. She is preceded in death by her grandmothers Sally Dowell and Ella Payne, her great grandmother Peggy Waid and her grandfather James F. Wells, Sr. She is also survived by the pets she adored - her horse Lassie; dogs, Jo-Jo, Carrie and Hershey; and her cat Lucky, as well as countless numbers of devoted and loving friends. Jennifer was born September 3, 1985 and graduated from Monticello High School in Charlottesville. She had just recently started her fourth year at the University of Virginia pursuing a degree in Psychology. Jennifer was an excellent student and was on the Dean's list. She loved horses and was an avid rider. She won numerous awards and medals in state and national saddlebred competitions. Her horses Knightly, Honeytree and Lassie held special places in her heart. In addition to competing, Jennifer devoted numerous hours to volunteering and teaching other horse enthusiasts. Her adoration of animals led to her first job in a veterinarian's office. She was most recently working at her family's full service salon, "A Cut Above and More" where she was loved by many special friends. The family expresses a special thanks to nurse Eva and Dr. Patel in the MICU, and the other doctors and nurses who cared for her at the UV A Hospital. In her short time, Jennifer touched everyone's heart with her beautiful smile and gentle demeanor. A funeral service will take place on Wednesday, September 13th at 1:00 pm at Covenant Church of God on Rio Road with Rev. Robert McCready officiating. Interment will follow at Riverview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Charlottesville/Albemarle SPCA, 3355 Berkmar Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22901 The family will receive friends at Hill and Wood Funeral Home on Tuesday, September 12, 2006 from 7:00 pm until 8:00 pm.

Obituary, Hill & Wood Funeral Home.