LELAND--Louise Sturdivant Bell passed away peacefully on Mother’s Day, May 10, 2020, surrounded by the love of her family. Born in Junction City, AR, on October 8, 1924, Louise was known for her caring, fun-loving spirit, as well as for her beautiful alto voice. She often was asked to sing on the local radio station and was very disappointed when her mother would not allow her to accept an offer to sing in larger cities. She played basketball at Norphlet (AR) High School and later trained as a Registered Nurse during the latter days of World War II. She remained a nurse at heart throughout her life, whether working in hospitals, advising those who came to her at the family pharmacy in El Dorado, AR, serving the dying in a hospice program, or providing emotional support to all who needed her. She always searched for ways to help with healing. Her artistic talents will continue to comfort her family and friends, as they admire her oil paintings and the poetry she wrote throughout her life. We are so grateful to her niece, Jane Archer Feinstein, for fulfilling of one of Louise’s deep wishes by publishing a book combining her poetry and family photos shortly before her passing.
Louise was preceded in death by her husband, John L. Bell; her infant daughter, Mary Louise Bell; her parents, Sarah Jane Robertson Sturdivant Youree and James E. Sturdivant; her brother and sisters; and many friends and family. Surviving her and continuing to cherish the memory of her wit, wisdom and lovely voice are her daughters Barbara Bell, Beverly Bell and Paula Bell James (Daniel); her grandchildren Caralee Kassos, Gabriel Kassos (Jennifer), and Noah Kassos (Christy Beaver); her great-grandchildren Abigail Julia, Alexander Anthony and Eleanor Louise; and her well-loved nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind a host of other dear friends and relatives across the country and beyond.
We join her today in singing her favorite hymns and songs of praise and thanksgiving, joyful that she has now joined her loved ones in Heaven through her faith in Jesus Christ.
No public services are planned. In lieu of flowers and food, the family requests memorial gifts be sent to Goshen Baptist Church, 4124 Mt. Misery Road, Leland, NC 28451.
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