Mary Alice Bell

Weep not for me. For I am receiving the reward of Heaven that the Lord has prepared for me. He has welcomed me home as a good and faithful daughter. Hallelujah!

My earthly journey began May 14, 1927 in Geiger, Alabama, as the only daughter of Sullivan and Mary (Smoot) Newton. (I had 8 brothers!)

At the age of 7, my father and mother allowed me to move in with his sister, Estelle, who lived in Fairfield, Alabama. Where I would have better educational opportunities. There, I received my early education at Fairfield Industrial High School. From there, I went to Alabama A&M and earned my B.S. in Home Economics and teaching certification. I completed further educational studies at Tuskegee University and Alabama State University. While attending Alabama A & M, a young man, Wiley Bell, engaged my attention, and we married in 1950. From this union, we had four children.

Moving from Birmingham to Alexander City in 1959, I started my 31 year span of teaching home economics, reading, science, and history. I believe I made a difference in the lives of thousands of young minds at Edward Bell Elementary, Council Elementary, Daviston Elementary, Dadeville High School, and Reeltown High School.

I was also passionate and joy of mine was working in my flower and vegetable gardens. I enjoyed delivering the products of fresh vegetables and canned fruits to my family, friends, and neighbors. As God provided for us, we felt called to share with others.

As family leaders, my husband and I led by example to establish strong morals and character development within our children. The most impactful guidance of our lives has been our journey to deepen our faith and commitment to our Lord Jesus Christ.

At an early age, I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior. It gave me great joy to serve God at the Jerusalem Baptist Church in Geiger, Mount Olive Baptist Church in Fairfield, and Cedar Street Church of God in Alexander City. Serving in positions of church secretary, Sunday school teacher, WCG leader, Church of God State Youth Camp Teacher, and culinary assistant allowed me to use my talents to minister to others and provide encouragement.

Spending time with family was always a love of mine. In particular, I enjoyed returning home to the Ponderosa for the Newton Family Reunion nearly every year since 1951.

After retiring from the Alabama school system, I volunteered at local elementary schools, Russell Hospital, and was an active member of the Alabama Education Retirees Association.

With the death of my husband, Wiley, in 2009, I moved to Texas to live with my daughter, Vivian, and her family as well as my son, Lawrence, and his family. Though I greatly missed my neighbors, friends, and family, I enjoyed the change being with family, meeting new friends, and exploring new avenues.

In summary, God has truly blessed my life. His Holy Spirit ordered my steps, led me, and guided me every day.

God called my spirit home on May 16, 2024. Awaiting my arrival, with great anticipation, were my husband Wiley W. Bell Sr., son Wiley A. Bell Jr. (Hazel), daughter Edith (Bell) Pritchett, mother and father, all 8 brothers & their wives: Melvin (Annie Mae), John (Mattie Mae), Elijah (Reabecca), Sullivan (Mary Alice & Mildred), McQuellen (Carrie), Ercel (Vannie), Charles (Eula & Mary), Lynn (Maple). Also, her sister-in-law Lucy Peterman (Dr. Leotis), brother-in-law Horace Bell (Mary), and brother-in-law Dr. Leroy Bell Jr.

Can you imagine the tears of joy rolling down my face as Jesus Christ placed His loving arms around me, and I heard the words, "Welcome Home. Welcome Home."

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Mary A. Bell is survived by her daughter Vivian, son Lawrence (Jacquelyn), and son-in-law Reverend Theodore Pritchett Sr. She is also survived by 9 grandchildren Edward (Rebecca), Allyson, Matthieu (Patricia), Joi, Phillip (Emily), Ashley, Allison, Joseph, Rachel, and Rebecca. Great-grandchildren Theodore IV, Amara, Luke, Raina, Matthieu Jr., Aaliyah, and Brian Jr. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Dr. Katie Robinson Bell; sister Regina Colvin (Dr. William Colvin), brother Roderick Bahner MD, devoted friend Martha F. Howard, and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins who will all miss her wisdom, her encouragement, her strength, her gentle spirit, and her love for her family.

A visitation for Mary will be held Saturday, June 1, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, 14501 North Interstate 35, Pflugerville, Texas 78660. A funeral service will occur Saturday, June 1, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., at the funeral home. A committal service will follow at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery in Pflugerville, Texas.