Joyce Ann Bell

Joyce was born February 21, 1947, to Sophronia (Johnson) and Gilbert Gerke. Joyce married Max Garner in 1961 and were blessed with four children. They migrated from Minnesota to Florida, trading the winter wonderland for palm trees and beaches! Joyce worked and retired from Frito-Lay Orlando. In 1978, she met and married Charles Bell.

Joyce loved her family so deeply, not only her immediate family but those she took under her wing as her own. Everyone was always welcome and never went away hungry. Joyce had a special place in her heart for her fur babies…dogs and Miss Piggy. Joyce was…is one of the most amazing people you could have the pleasure to know. The Lord blessed us with Joyce…Until we meet again…

Joyce is survived by her children, Patricia Bell (Garner) of Comer, Georgia, Terry Garner (Tammy) of Carrollton, Georgia, Gilbert Garner of Douglasville, Georgia, Charles “Eddie” Bell of Cleveland, Tennessee, and Donald Bell of Apopka, Florida; nine grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; sisters, Jean Kenney, Rose Anderson, Bonnie McClaskey; brother, Donald “Herbie” Gerke; and many nieces and nephews.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husbands, Charles Bell and Max Garner; sons, James Garner and Terry Bell; mother, Sophronia Gerke (Johnson); father, Gilbert Gerke, brothers, Gaylord “Buster,” Edward, David “Jimmy,” and Delbert; and sister, Charlene Miller “Joe” (Gerke).

A gathering of family and friends will be held 10:00 to 11:00 AM, Friday, January 9, 2026, in Bernstein Funeral Home, immediately followed by a funeral service in the funeral home chapel, with Reverend Betsy Butler officiating.

Burial will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park.

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.