Grieving mother announces plans for funeral, celebration of Nolan Wells’ life
The funeral for Nolan Xavier Wells, the 18-year-old who died after celebrating Independence Day on Horn Island, will be held at Center Point Church in Ocean Springs, the family announced Wednesday.
Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. on Monday, July 20, with a service immediately afterward at the church, Christine Wonsley said during a news conference at the Jackson County Courthouse. The Rev. Al Sharpton will officiate the service.
There will also be a celebration of Nolan’s life after the service at the Jackson County Fairgrounds for family, friends and teammates. The time of the fairgrounds celebration was not immediately announced.
Wonsley also asked any protesters to ensure any protest is peaceful.
“If you are having protests, even the day of his services, I am asking you guys to just keep it peaceful. Nolan would never want any type of violence or anything like that,” Wonsley said.
Previous discussions centered on the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center hosting. Despite officials with the Mississippi Coast Convention Center agreeing to host the services, the Ocean Springs church was chosen.
The coliseum and convention center commission’s board unanimously supported holding the event. Six members met Monday on Zoom with Voisin, the commission’s attorney and Michelle Menningmann, the assistant executive director. Commission member Anthony Del Vescovo was absent.
This breaking news story will be updated as more information becomes available.
This story was originally published July 15, 2026 at 10:48 AM.
