Lorraine Fay Bell

Born March 29, 1926 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Mrs. Bell the daughter of the late Lillis and Charles Hoyt, was also preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Eric McDonald Bell Jr. and her two brothers Richard Hubert and Charles Edgar Hoyt. Mrs. Bell was a graduate of Washington High School in 1944. She retired after 20 years of service to Rexnord Corporation where she worked as an accountant.

Surviving are her five children, and their spouses: Susan and Robert Harmon, Cathy and Robert Watson III, Heidi and Karl Gyorfy Sr., Eric and Marcia Bell III, and Holly Bell; ten grandchildren: Robert Watson IV, Sheri Hirschman, David Hirschman, Erica Nelson, Doreen Watson, Amanda Bell, Karl Gyorfy Jr., Melinda Bell, Marta Motter and Andy Boehm and eight beloved great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Bell demonstrated unwavering devotion to worship through musical praise. She was a member of the Milwaukee Choristers for 34 years. She was also an active member of the American Bell Association. She enjoyed faithful membership of and joyful worship at United Methodist Churches wherever she went. At Community United Methodist Church in Elm Grove (WI) she sang in the choir, and she was choir director at Summerfield United Methodist Church in Milwaukee. She also belonged to the choir and played handbells at Matthews (NC) United Methodist Church and, finally, she quickly found her niche at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church in Raleigh. Mrs. Bell was also a majority member of Milwaukee Assembly #2 International Order of Rainbow for Girls and had received the Grand Cross Degree.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM Friday, January 15, 2016 in the chapel of Hayes Barton United Methodist Church 2209 Fairview Rd, Raleigh, NC 27608

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Music and Worship Arts Fund at Matthews United Methodist Church Accounts Receivable 801 South Trade Street Matthews, NC 28105.

The family offers their most sincere appreciation to the Transitions Life Care staff and Tower Nursing and Rehab for their loving and compassionate care of Mrs. Bell.

Condolences may be offered at www.brownwynne.com