Sister Barbara Ann Bell Gatewood was born on October 15, 1947, in Blakely, Georgia to C. B. Bell and Annie C. Perry Bell.

At an early age, her family relocated to Clearwater, Florida where she was educated in the Pinellas County School System, attending Pinellas High School until the 12th grade. During her final year of high school, Barbara went off to the Job Corps in Pennsylvania, where she studied to become a license cosmetologist. Barbara later became employed with Sperry Corporation as an assembly line worker, until her retirement.

Barbara was united in marriage to the late Phillip Junior Gatewood, and from this union they were blessed with two loving children. Although their marriage later ended in separation, they remained lifelong friends who shared a mutual love and respect for one another.

At a young age, Barbara accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. She was baptized at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church and later united with Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, where she continued her Christian walk.

On Thursday, July 2, 2026, God in His infinite wisdom, called Barbara from labor to eternal rest.

She is preceded in death by her parents, C.B. and Annie C. Bell, her former husband, Phillip Junior Gatewood, brother, Alvin Bell and son-in-law, Trevor Murray.

Barbara leaves to cherish her precious memories…her two devoted children: Felicia Murray and Phillip Gatewood (Jamie), both of Clearwater, FL; her loving siblings: Mae C. Bell of Clearwater, FL, Charles Bell (Ann) of Daytona Beach, FL, Marty Bell (Madra) of Clearwater, FL and Gwendolyn Drayton (Dexter) of Pensacola, FL; beloved granddaughter: Brittney Blunt of Holiday, FL; great-grandson: Jordan Cooney of Holiday, FL; two step-grandchildren: Tiffany Murray of Clearwater, FL and Javon Loving of Atlanta, GA; a host of step great-grandchildren; sisters and brothers-in-law with whom she shared a special bond: Sonya Speed, Julie Gatewood, Ernest Gatewood, Zakee Habeebullah “Roy”, Michael Gatewood, Paul Kirkland and Steve Kirkland; and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, cherished friends and all whose lives were blessed by knowing her.

Visitation - Friday, July 17, 2026, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Celebration of Life Service - Saturday, July 18, 2026, 11:00 a.m.

Both will be held at New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 845 Woodlawn Street, Clearwater, Florida.

Services Entrusted to The Care of Smith Young Funeral Home – 727-442-2388