Doris Marilyn Bell

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Doris Marilyn Townsley Bell, age 92, who left this life on April 3, 2026. A devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, store owner, and friend, she touched the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

She was born on March 31, 1934 in Abilene, Texas to Arthur Douglas Townsley and Mary West Floyd. She had two brothers: A.D. Townsley of Mesquite, Texas, and Jack Wayne Townsley of Abilene, Texas. She grew up in the aftermath of the Great Depression, and she had some amazing stories of that time.

She graduated from Wylie High School in Abilene where she met James Dale Bell whom she married on June 1, 1950. Their son, Vic Dale Bell, was born in Abilene on July 16, 1951. James was transferred to San Angelo, Texas as a grocery manager where they lived for several years. Their second son, Danny Eugene Bell, was born in San Angelo, Texas on October 2, 1956. They moved back to Abilene when Vic was 12, & she worked for Merchant Motor Lines as a claim's processor for over 10 years in Abilene.

In the early 1980s, they decided to try their own business, and they opened Marilyn’s of Fredericksburg on Main Street (in Fredericksburg, Texas) specializing in women’s clothing, jewelry, etc. Mom had such a love of fashion, & she always wore clothing from her store. She was a great model, & customers would always ask for what she had on. Dad died in April of 2001 after over 50 years of marriage, but Mom eventually continued with the store. The store is still in business today, although now owned by her son, Danny, and his wife, Carol.

She is survived by her son, Vic Bell and wife, Nelda, of San Antonio, Texas. Their son, Josh Bell and wife, Betsy, live in Midland, Texas.

She is also survived by her son, Danny Bell and wife, Carol, of Fredericksburg, Texas. Their daughter, Jami Morachel (Jhonny) of Jarrell, Texas has 2 children: Caleb and Jadon. Their daughter, Kati Stringer (Edward) of Hutto, Texas, has 2 children: Hollis & Turner. Their son, Brice Bell (Taylor) of Tuscola, Texas has 2 children: Briggs and Lennon.

She is also survived by her brother Jack’s daughter, Joanna Townsley, of Abilene, her brother A.D.’s five sons, and her sister-in-law, Diane Bell, of Midland, Texas.

She was a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, and she was extremely proud of her Texas heritage. She was a member and attended Glen Meadows Baptist Church, San Angelo, Texas.

We wish to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Lupe Sanchez who has been her caregiver and shining light the last few years. Lupe & her husband, Domingo, were loved by Mom.

Born with a gentle spirit and a kind heart, she dedicated her life to caring for her family. Hers was a life well lived. Her life was a blessing, and her memory is a treasure to all who knew her.

There will be a small graveside service at a later date for the family at Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories in Abilene, Texas, where she will be buried next to her husband.