J.W. Woodward Funeral Home | Spartanburg, SC
/fit-in/200x300/filters:fill(white)/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/200x300/filters:fill(white)/prod/524/41847/imdzmwejxl40wowk7v1a.jpg)
Obituary For Mrs. Helen Patricia Bell Smith
Helen Bell Smith, 72, peacefully entered eternal rest on September 13, 2017 at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center. Ms. Bell-Smith was the daughter of Mrs. Mildred Bell and the late Reverend Luster Bell. Ms. Helen Bell-Smith was a member of Faith Tabernacle Church of Spartanburg, SC.; she was a member of the Life Institute, a musician for the Children’s Choir, a member of The Shepard’s Care Ministry, the Deaconess Ministry and a member of the Bible Study Class. She was born in Spartanburg County; Helen was a 1962 graduate of Foster’s Grove High School. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina and completed graduate work from Converse College, University of South Carolina and South Carolina State University/ Ms. Bell-Smith was a retired South Carolina educator; she taught elementary school for 32 years at the following schools; Laurens County, Emma Maddox Elementary; in District 2, Boiling Springs-Holden Chapel Elementary; and Spartanburg District 7- Highland Elementary and Houston Elementary. Ms. Bell-Smith was crowned Miss Benedict College 1965-66. In April 1964, Helen was initiated into the Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. at Benedict College. Ms. Bell-Smith served her beloved sorority for over 50 years; she was an active Golden Soror of the Epsilon Beta Omega Chapter in Spartanburg, SC. Helen served as Chaplain for more than three terms and Chairman of the Music Committee. Helen Bell-Smith was voted Soror of the year in 1998. Ms. Helen Bell-Smith’s fondest pastime was sharing her musical gifts. She began playing the piano at an early age. She was the organist/pianist for the following churches: Zion Hill Baptist, St. Paul Baptist, Mt. Pleasant Baptist, Golden Street Baptist, Monks Grove Baptist and her home church, Faith Tabernacle of Spartanburg. She loved hymns; her favorite was “Great Is thy Faithfulness.” She continued to lift God in praise through singing on the Hymn 2 Hymn Choir. Music ministries throughout Spartanburg County will forever cherish and miss her voice and melodic musical talents. Left to cherish fond and loving memories in their hearts are: her daughters, April Doggett Henderson of Greenville, SC and Krystal (Anthony) Johnson of Ridgeland, SC; her four grandchildren, Destiny Chance of Augusta, GA, LaDasia Chance of Greenville, SC, Zelanie and Anthony Johnson, Jr. of Ridgeland, SC; her brother, Jerome Bell of Spartanburg, SC; her sisters, Dorothy Means of Spartanburg SC, Brenda (Ronald) King of Columbia, SC and Margarette Miller (Marion “Dooley”); her special brother-in-law, Leon Burgess; and a host of special nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and friends. Helen was preceded in death by her sister Joyce Ann Burgess. The Ivy Beyond the Wall Ceremony will be conducted by Epsilon Beta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. on Sunday, September 17, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. at The John Stinson Woodward Memorial Chapel, 602 Howard Street, Spartanburg, SC. The ceremony is open for family and friends to attend. The family will receive friends from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the chapel following the sorority ceremony on Sunday evening. A Celebration of the blessed Life of Helen Patricia Bell Smith will be held on Monday, September 18, 2017 at 3:30 p.m. at Majority Baptist Church, 400 Hudson L. Barksdale Blvd., Spartanburg, SC. The Reverend Dr. Brandon T. Whitehurst, Overseer. will officiate. Interment will be in Mt. Calvary Baptist Church Cemetery, Whitestone, SC. The Bell-Smith family will receive friends at the Bell Family home, 486 Peronneau Street, Hampton Heights, Spartanburg, SC.
Guest Book
To the family, I am so sorry to hear of your lost. I pray that God will strengthen you at this sad time and provide you comfort. Blessings always
- Bobbie
To the Bell's family sincerely sorry to hear about your loss to the family our hearts and prayers are with you Helen will be truly missed by her mother ,siblings and family I know it is hard but God has her in his bosom God is with you and the family with love .
- linda Manus and family
Words are not adequate to express to you how we feel. We will continue to pray for your strength during this difficult time. God is still ever present even through your hurt. YOUR FAMILY IS LIVED BY MANY AND WE LOVE YOU!! Psalm 23
- Rev. & Mrs. J. A.
To the Family, Helen and I graduated from and sang on the choir at Benedict College. She was a very sweet and delightful person. The choir traveled to the midwest region of the country and we stayed at her cousin's house in Cincinnati. With heartfelt sympathy on your loss and may memories of her love bring comfort to you. Wishing you God's peace.
- Rose Noah Crook
I was greatly saddened to learn of the loss of your dear loved one, and my beloved classmate. May God keep you in His care, during this season of your lives.
- Mary Fernanders Friday
Our hearts are heavy for you in this time of loss. May God pour out blessings of comfort, in this season, as you cope with this void.
- The Family of the Late Walter L. Moore, Sr.
My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Helen's family at this time. She was a very classy and sweet woman. I will miss her immensely. April is one of my best friends and I wish that I could be there with her, Krystie and the kids tomorrow. I love you guys and will be praying for your strength.
- Angela
Our deepest sympathy to Krystal & her family during this difficult time. May God continue to bless & strength you & your family. We love you.
- 14th Circuit Solicitor's Office
To the Bell Family: 'Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning ' My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Helen was one of my Mothers, the late. Mrs. Esther E. Giles, favorite students. I met her when I would go to school with my Mom. Helen became the big sister that I never had. Our families have remained close. Continue to trust. God and hold close the many memories that you have. Love all of you.
- Saundra Giles Gaffney
You were a real class act Ms. Helen! Such a great mother and grandmother! You never knew it, but I drew inspiration from your relationships with your daughter (my sister-in-law) and your granddaughters (my nieces)and often used you to illustrrate examples. May you rest in peace.
- Gina Nelson
Margarette and family: I am so sorry for your loss. I pray that God will wrap His loving arms around you during this difficult time. I promise you that God will take care of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Lovingly, Bertie McKie and family.
- Bertie
Margarette and family: I am so sorry for your loss. I pray that God will wrap His loving arms around you during this difficult time. I promise you that God will take care of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Lovingly, Bertie McKie and family.
- Bertie
Margarette and family: I am so sorry for your loss. I pray that God will wrap His loving arms around you during this difficult time. I promise you that God will take care of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Lovingly, Bertie McKie and family.
- Bertie
Margarette and family: I am so sorry for your loss. I pray that God will wrap His loving arms around you during this difficult time. I promise you that God will take care of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Lovingly, Bertie McKie and family.
- Bertie
Margarette and family: I am so sorry for your loss. I pray that God will wrap His loving arms around you during this difficult time. I promise you that God will take care of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Lovingly, Bertie McKie and family.
- Bertie
Margarette and family: I am so sorry for your loss. I pray that God will wrap His loving arms around you during this difficult time. I promise you that God will take care of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Lovingly, Bertie McKie and family.
- Bertie