Ersel Colleen Bell

Ersel Colleen Bell, 85, of St. Albans, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, January 26, 2026 peacefully in her home of thirty years from natural causes. Colleen was the most kind-hearted, loving individual and touched everyone’s life who she came to know. She fought a triumphant life, but never let that stop her or keep her down. From raising her two sons to many grandchildren, Colleen’s life was filled with love. She walked through life with a smile on her face and always looked to the Lord for guidance. She took comfort in knowing when her time on this Earth was over, she’d spend eternity with her savior.

Born October 4, 1940, in Kenna, WV to the Ronald DeWeese and Icie DeWeese (Landis), Colleen grew up in Jackson county, a place she loved and called home. She was a graduate of Charleston High School where she loved playing softball. In her words, she gave every opposing team a “run for their money.” After completion of her high school career, she worked for Charleston Department Store for many years where she made many great friends and cherished memories. She also loved bowling and joined a league when she was younger. Even in her 80’s she could still knock down all ten pins. She was an avid member of Grace Baptist Temple and always looked forward to going to church on Sundays. If you knew Colleen, you knew the one place she felt at peace was sitting under the roof of her Lord’s house.

Colleen was loved and cherished by so many people. She was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off her back, but always made it known she had a fiery side as well. She was a devoted Christian, mother and mother-in-law, sister, grandmother, and great grandmother, wife, aunt and friend. Everything she did in her life she did for her family. If selfless had a name listed in the dictionary, Colleen’s would be at the top of the list. In her past time she enjoyed being outside in her garden and sitting on her back porch drinking coffee and watching her hummingbirds. She loved spending time with her family and always felt at home when they were around.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Icie and Ronald DeWeese; loving husband Lonnie Bell; sons Timothy (Timmy) and Thomas (Tommy) Brown; grandchildren, Drew Brown; daughter in law's Rose Brown and Cynthia Brown; brother Carroll DeWeese; maternal and paternal grandparents; many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Left to cherish her memory are her grandchildren, Emily Brown and Kaleigh Brown (Alex) who became like daughters to her; Samantha Brown and Krista Maynard; great grandchildren, Lincoln Hager, Alice Sanderson, Reed Larson and many others; sister Sue Taylor; brother Jerry DeWeese (Shelby); stepdaughter's Regina Bell and Bonita Bradshaw (Paul); her dog and best friend of 15 years, Bronco; and many more relatives and friends.

The family wants to thank everyone who played a part in Colleen’s life, sending her cards, food, flowers and the gift of being present. She wouldn’t want us to grieve that she’s gone, but rejoice that she’s home.

A celebration of Colleens’s life will be 1:00 Monday, February 2, 2026 at 1:00 pm at Tyler Mountain Funeral Home.

Gathering of family and friends will be from noon until time of service at the funeral home.

Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.tylermountainfuneralhome.com.