Mary Bell
Date of Birth: 03-30-1942
Date of Death: 01-21-2019
Mary Bell passed away peacefully into the arms of her Lord on Monday, January 21, 2019 surrounded by family and friends. She was a six-year cancer survivor but was overcome by pneumonia as a complication of surgery.
Mary was born March 1942 in Chicago, Illinois where she met the love of her life and spouse of 56 years, Wesley Bell.
Mary loved being a wife and mother, raising five children, Jennifer, Alexis, Jason, Alexander and Nathaniel. She also enriched the lives of many foster babies as well. Her heart was full of love and desired to be a behind the scenes helper in so many ministries, including embroidery blankets for babies. Mary was an amazing needle worker and seamstress; she enjoyed reading her Bible, mystery novels and gardening.
Mary traveled the world with Wesley in his various jobs, including moving to Taiwan when she was four months pregnant with her youngest. Mary spent her last 25 years working with Wesley as direct support missionaries, helping start Casas por Cristo, a home building ministry in El Paso, Texas and two years in Budapest Hungary teaching English. She continued to travel, embarking on many cruises as Wesley’s first mate, or as the chaplain’s wife at times. However, she most enjoyed travels to visit her children and grandchildren to ensure she was part of their activities.
Mary will be dearly missed by her Sunday School class, Bible study friends, Dominos Mexican Train group, as well as many friends and family. Mary is survived by her husband Wesley, all five children, their spouses and her beloved twelve grandchildren.
Celebration of Life service will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church Saturday, January 26 at 11 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Mary to International Bible School, PO Box 1879, Opelika, AL 36801.
Alabama Funeral Homes and Cremation Centers of Camp Hill, Alabama is handling arrangements.