Teresa Johnson Bell

Teresa was born on June 23, 1952 in Birmingham, AL to the late Robbie Lee Patton Johnson and Duard Freeman Johnson. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, John H. Bell, III.

Teresa is survived by her husband of 45 years, John H. Bell, II; her son, Andrew Jeremy Bell and his wife Amy; two grandchildren, John Benjamin Bell and Anne Catherine Bell; two nephews, Cooper Freeman Johnson and Patton Fussell; all of Birmingham. In addition are close cousins, Jan Wilson of Ojai, CA and Sharon Holsonback, Lynda Ray, and Lynda Patton, all of Blount County, AL.

Teresa grew up in Birmingham and graduated from Woodlawn High School, where she was head cheerleader and Senior Beauty. At Samford University, she was a member of Alpha Delta Phi Sorority, a cheerleader, and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree. It was there that she and John met while he was in Law School. She later was awarded a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Alabama, Birmingham. For many years, she attended The Church of the Highlands in Birmingham.

Teresa’s professional career began in her father’s firm, Magic City Trucking, then progressed to Comfleet Carriers where she was president and principal owner from 1986 until her retirement in September 2015. The success of this company led to her being among the top 10 female business owners in Alabama and named to the Top Forty Under Forty by the Birmingham Business Journal in 1989.

However, the foremost aim of Teresa’s life was creating a loving home and raising her family. She found joy in nurturing her sons and nephews, guiding their education, and enthusiastically supporting their participation in sports and other activities that contributed to their growth and development. Teresa was selflessly devoted also to caring for her elderly parents, to embracing her sons’ many friends, and to crafting a warm, welcoming environment for friends and relatives. All who knew her cherished her beautiful smile, infectious laugh, and warm personality. She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be 12 noon to 2 p.m. on Monday, November 6, 2017 at Ridout's Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham, AL, immediately followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m. at Ridout's Southern Heritage Chapel, Pelham. Interment will be at Southern Heritage Cemetery, Pelham. Richard Estes, Corey Kerse, Matt Holland, Charles Smith, Dwight Ingle, and Whitney Polson will serve as pallbearers.

The family extends sincere appreciation to Dr. Samuel Windham and the SICU team at the UA-B Hospital and to the staff of the Kirkland Clinic for the outstanding expertise and compassionate care given to Teresa during her illness.