Jean Gilbert Bell

Jean Gilbert Bell, 89, of Charlotte, North Carolina passed away December 27, 2020 at Olde Knox Commons in Huntersville, North Carolina from complications due to Covid 19. She was born in Tazewell, Tennessee, daughter to Frank and Myrtle Gilbert. Along with her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Ralph Bell. She is survived by her children, Ralph Bell (Ann), Dart Bell (Melanie), Robin Bell (Becky), and Maria Rogers (Danny) along with her ten grandchildren, Kristin Toler, Cody Bell, Mariah Narup, Jana Morrow, Cameron Rogers, Maria Bell, Conner Bell, Colten Bell, Dalton Bell, and Micah Rogers, plus 12 (and counting) great grandchildren. Also surviving are her sister, Violet Woods, and her brothers Harold Gilbert (Lisa), and B.J. Gilbert (Cathy).

Jean was a long-time resident of Charlotte, North Carolina where she raised her family. With her outgoing personality, she rarely met a stranger. She enjoyed long conversations with her friends over the back yard fence, with a late-night cup of coffee, or on the phone. She also displayed a great deal of tolerance while raising her kids and putting up with various shenanigans. She persuaded our dad to allow a variety of pets to live with us, ranging from normal cats and dogs to science experiment mice to a rooster or two, and even a skunk. Her dinner table frequently extended beyond her family. (We think word of her delicious biscuits and amazing desserts may have spread.) She also watched as her yard housed fake wrestling rinks, a football gridiron, a motorcycle/go kart track, and even a pole vaulting pit (foam rubber included). Along with our dad, she put in many hours watching her children participate in sports, dance, karate, and more. When she did have time for herself, some of her interests included reading, cooking, playing cards and board games (She NEVER said no Scrabble.), swimming, and traveling.

While she was able and with the help of her friend, Martha, Jean wrote a letter to share at her funeral for her friends and family. It is as follows.

Dear Family and Friends,

Thank you for being here today. This is not to say goodbye forever but until later. We all will be together in a better place. For now, I’ll be in a better place and out of pain. Thanks to all of you who have been there for me through my problems.

I have wonderful friends. They have meant so much to me and always there when I needed them, through health, sickness, and death.

Ralph was the love of my life and helped make my life full of happiness. We met in Washington, D.C. where we married. When he passed away, it was the saddest day of my life. I had never been so lonely. He was a wonderful husband and father.

My children, Ralph, Dart, Robin, and Maria are so special to me. I’m so proud of them. We had a wonderful family life, and they never gave us any big problems, just small ones like bringing home a skunk, a barking dog, a turtle that ate all the fish in the fish tank, jumping out of airplanes, and riding bucking horses.

My brothers and sister, Billy Joe, Harold, and Violet, spent a lot of time with us and are a part of our family. They too are very special to me.

During the lonely time after Ralph died, Jim Hodges was in the same situation, and we got together. We were both lonely and alone. We were married, and we were able to talk about our spouses. We were good companions and shared some pleasant times until Jim developed some severe problems that couldn’t be helped. It led to divorce, but I remember the Jim from before and moved on lonely and alone again. When you have a good marriage and it ends, it is hard to adjust to.

I never quit missing Ralph. He loved the kids as much as I did, and we were so proud of them. All four of them worked their way through college which made us so happy. It hadn’t been possible for us to do that.

This may be bragging a bit, but I just want my kids, grandchildren, brother, and sister to know I’m proud of them and that they were part of our lives. Our kids spent many happy times on the farm in Tennessee. It was a great experience for them.

Ann, Ralph’s wife, Melanie, Dart’s wife, Becky, Robins wife, and Danny, Maria’s husband were a very important part of our family. They have been wonderful in-laws, and the couples have blessed us with ten grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. We are proud of them all. I never dreamed of being a great Grandma. I just wish Ralph could have lived to share this experience.

Love to all of you,

Jean Bell

A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at Forest Lawn West Cemetery, 4601 Freedom Drive, Charlotte; Reverend Gene Boatwright officiating. In lieu of flowers, Jean’s favorite charities include St. Jude’s, the Southern Poverty Law Center, the American Heart Association, and American Cancer Society.