December 1, 2018 Alexandria Bay, NY
Velvet Anne Wells, 54, of Alexandria Bay passed away at Samaritan Medical Center on Saturday evening.
Velvet was born on December 10, 1963 in Watertown, NY, the daughter of Ernest J. and Christine V. Denney Charleston. She graduated from Watertown High School and worked as a caretaker for various properties in the Thousand Islands region. She owned and operated “Velvet Touch”, a property maintenance service company.
A marriage to Kenny Wells ended in divorce.
Velvet was a member of Save the River, Clayton, and the Moose Lodge in Florida. She loved the St. Lawrence River.
She is survived by her father Ernest J. Charleston Sr., Chaumont; brothers, Ernest J. Charleston Jr. and his companion Debra Moschell, Potsdam and Jeremy Warner, Jay, NY; and a sister Rebecca Zipper and her companion Richard, Orlando FL. She is predeceased by her mother and her sister Laura Beth Charleston.
Calling hours will be held from 4-7 pm with a memorial service led by Rev. Jeff McIlrath at 7 pm on Tuesday, December 4th at Costello Funeral Home, Alexandria Bay.
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County or to the Three Mile Bay Fire Department.
You were my protector when we were kids. Saved me from getting my butt kicked when I came to North Junior in 7th grade. From that moment we were fast friends! I feel terrible that I wasn’t able to see you recently. It’s probably for the best because this way I will remember you when you were healthy! I’ll miss you my friend! Free from suffering! ❤️
I will miss you my dear friend. Best friends in the 70’s and reunited again last year. You had a heart of gold. Until we meet again.
Ernie,
Our deepest condolences for your loss. I wish that Matt and I could be there in person tonight, but our work schedules just won’t allow it. We will be in touch soon.
The Naccaris.
I hadn’t spoken with Velvet since the spring of 1980 but I had never forgotten her. Velvet and I used to hitchhike to little league practice and the games when we both played for the Black River Road Roadrunners. Velvet was the only girl on the team and best I can remember the only girl in the league. That was amazing for for a girl in the 70’s and she challenged the status quo with guts and she had a real can do spirit. I can only imagine that she lived her life with the same determination and eagerness to take on the challenges that confronted her. Velvet never did anything mean either … ever that i can remember. Just not her nature and I can totally see her looking out for Chana while I was apparently oblivious at the time. Ernie I am not sure if you even remember me and I am guessing there really isn’t anything i can do. But, if there may be something just ask. Costello’s has my email. I am very sorry for everyones loss.
Bruce Hughes (not the other ‘Bruce’ Hoke)
RIP Aunt Velvet! I’m so glad I was able to talk to you just the week before! Love you fly high.
Velvet…where do I begin. You, your siblings and dad were our close neighbors. My sister-in-law, Lois, babysat you. We were back and forth between our homes. My Mom loved all of you. Lost touch with you when you moved to be with your Mom in your teens. So many memories! You were always beautiful, strong and independent. Rest in peace. ♡
I will always remember Velvet as a lively fiery and funny lady. Even when she was so sick she did her best to be upbeat. She will be missed!
Love and prayers to family. Velvet was a kind hard working woman and will be missed.