Mary Alice Gamble Bell

Mary Gamble-Bell resident of Texas City, Texas was called home peacefully to eternal rest on Saturday December 12, 2015 at Clear Lake Regional Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Mary was born to Lavion and Elizabeth Gamble (who preceded her in death) October 7, 1945 in Cedar Hill, Tennessee. Mary accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age at St. James Missionary Baptist Church in Evansville, Indiana. She was an active member of the choir and a junior usher board member. Mary graduated in 1963 from Central High School in Evansville, IN. Shortly after graduation she was hired by the Navy Department to work at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. In 1973, she relocated to Chicago to work as a legal secretary for the Booze Allen & Hamilton Law Firm. That same year Mary graduated at the top of her class from South Chicago School of Nursing. A few years later she moved and joined her sister to reside in Houston, Texas. Continuing her education Mary achieved her Doctrine of Jurisprudence from Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law. She worked as a registered nurse at Herman Hospital and Texas Women’s Hospital where she became a supervisor. After 25 years of service as a nurse at University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) John Sealy Hospital in Galveston, Texas, Mary retired from her nursing career. Mary also served in the Army Reserve. Mary married the love of her life Richard Paul Bell in 1979. Four children, William Christopher Bell (Jennifer), Richard Paul Bell, Jr, Evelyn Angelica Bell and Elizabeth Erica Bell, were celebrated from this union. Mary is survived by her sisters, Geraldine “Geri” Gamble-Garth (Kenneth) and Zelma Gamble-Hall (Roosevelt) of Evansville, IN, brothers Charles E. Gamble of Corpus Christi, TX and Reverend Lionel Gamble of Kansas City, KS. Grandchildren-Antonio “AJ” Davis, Kyndell Bell, Giana “GiGi” Bell, Sophia Joshua and Richard Paul Bell, III, Godchildren Cierrah and Jayden, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Mary was affectionately nicknamed “Mermays” by her nephew Kenneth “Ken-Ken” at an early age and called this by family. Mary was proceed in death by her husband Richard Paul Bell, Sister Sadie Gamble, and mother-in-law Alma Perry-Bell.