Katherine Murray Bell

Katherine Murray Monroe Bell, 94, of Fort Smith died May 27, 2014 in Fort Smith. She was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee and attended Peabody Business School. She was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church where she shared her love of music playing the piano for worship. This led to her meeting the pastor of Matthews Memorial Methodist Church, Virgil Chipman Bell, the love of her life. On the day of their wedding, Virgil preached and after the benediction, invited all those present who would like to share in their wedding to please be seated. This was a surprise to all, including Katherine’s seven year old daughter, Sharon. Following Virgil’s graduation from Vanderbilt Divinity School, they moved to Arkansas where she and Virgil shared in ministry for 60 plus years throughout the state. She not only supported Virgil in his ministry, but ministered to a multitude of others in many ways, especially women. God’s Daughters was a prayer ministry for women that she led in her home wherever they lived. Her day started, by her praying for her husband, children, grandchildren, and other family member. She was a prayer warrior for all, including her pastor at St. Paul, Steve Poarch. After Virgil’s death, Katherine moved in with Bobby and Londie Bell as well as Jo Anna Harrison, caregiver and now family member. Even when Katherine’s days were spent at home, her day began with her hair styled, makeup on, including her ruby red lipstick, and her ‘Babel style’ bling. Her morning routine was complete with her daily devotions. Katherine met each day with a love for God, her family, and others, ready for whatever God had in store for her that day.She will be loved and missed and her memory will always be celebrated. Katherine Murray Monroe Bell is survived by three children, Sharon Smith of Florida, Bobby Bell and wife Londie of Arkansas, and Susan Hampton and husband Steve of Texas, nine grandchildren, Pat, Scott, and Brian Smith, Maiga and husband Jason Bishop, Jonathan and wife Shelly Bell, Alec Bell, and Ryan, Chad and Trey Hampton, as well as four great-grandchildren, Michael Smith, Addy Bishop, and Conner and Noah Bell. Funeral service will be Saturday, May 31, 2014 at 10:00 AM in St. Paul United Methodist Church with burial to follow at 4:00 PM in the Witherspoon Cemetery in Vandervoort, AR all under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be her grandsons. The family will greet friends from 5-7 PM on Friday at Edwards Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the St. Paul United Methodist Church Building Fund 4100 Grand Avenue Fort Smith, AR 72904. To sign an online guestbook visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com