Myrtle Williams Bell

Myrtle Williams Bell, of Austin, Texas peacefully passed away at home on Tuesday, April 11, 2023. Myrtle was born in Union, SC on November 29, 1939 and raised in Spartanburg, SC. She graduated from Carver High School in Spartanburg. Upon graduating from High School, Myrtle spent one year at Claflin College (Orangeburg, SC) before transferring to Hampton (Institute) University where she obtained a BS degree in Accounting with Departmental Honors. She continued her studies at Ohio University where she earned an MBA. After obtaining her MBA, she embarked upon a 29-year career with IBM, working in Endicott, NY and later in Owego, NY. While in New York, Myrtle met the love of her life Darnese (Don) Bell Jr. and they were married on November 24, 1973 at Silver Hill United Methodist Church in Spartanburg, S.C. In 1980, they were blessed with their son Darnese III. In 1981, the Bells transferred to the Austin, TX. IBM facility where Myrtle eventually retired as a Financial Analyst.

Myrtle was committed to service and was involved in many organizations. She was a Golden Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She was a life member of several organizations including the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the National Council of Negro Women, the National Urban League and the Wally Byam Caravan Club International (WBCCI). She was also a member of the National Hampton Alumni Association and the Sisters Network, Inc. Myrtle was also a member of the "Dolo" Coker Foundation Board of Directors in Los Angeles, CA.

For many years Myrtle worked as a deputized Voter Registrar and “Nutcracker Docent” for Ballet Austin. Myrtle learned to snow ski as an adult and was an Alpine Official at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, NY. She loved camping, traveling the world and photography.

She is survived by her husband Darnese, her son Darnese III, her sister in laws, Marietta Noel, Minnie Smith, Stella Bell, brother in law Harris Bell, niece Darmeisha Bell and nephew Kenneth Noel. Myrtle was preceded in death by her parents Julius E. Williams, Sr, and Lilla Mitchell Williams.

Omega Omega Service Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm will be on Friday, April 28, 2023 at at Cook-Walden Chapel of The Hills Funeral Home, 9700 Anderson Mill Road Austin, TX 78750. Visitation will be from 7:00pm-8:30pm. Funeral Services will be Saturday, April 29, 2023 at 1:00PM, Wesley United Methodist Church 1164 San Bernard Street Austin, TX 78702. CDC COVID Guidelines recognized. Please wear masks for this service.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a contribution to Hampton University, Office of Development, 200 William R Harvey Way, Lilla M. Williams Memorial Endowed Scholarship.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenchapelofthehills.com for the Bell family.