Mary Catherine Bell Obituary in Madison at Perry-Spencer Madison

Obituary For Mary Catherine Bell

Mary Catherine Bell, 97, of Eden, NC passed February 15,2022. A public viewing will be held on Friday, February 25, 2022, at Perry Spencer Funeral Home, Eden, NC from 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. The family will receive friends from 2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, February 26, 2022, at St. John United Methodist Church, Eden, NC with the funeral service beginning at 3:00 p.m. and burial at Eden Garden Cemetery, Eden, NC.

Miss Mary Catherine Bell, the matriarch of the Bell family, was born September 15, 1924, to John S. Bell, Sr. and Anna Bethel Mullins. She departed this life on Tuesday, February 15, 2022, at Penn Nursing Center, Reidsville, NC where she was a resident for approximately 7 years and was known as Ma Bell, by staff and other residents who truly loved her. In her spare time she would teach anyone that wanted to learn more, while she was there.

She was a native of Leaksville, now Eden, in Rockingham County. From birth until her move to the nursing center, she lived at 316 Henry Street all her life. The Bells are one of the oldest families in Rockingham County and have always been located on Henry Street. Miss Bell was a schoolteacher for 35 years until her retirement. Teaching was her passion. She was a Bennett Belle, graduating from Bennett College, Greensboro, NC where she received her bachelor’s degree in education. She taught at various schools: Laurinburg Institute, Laurinburg, NC, Mt. Olive School System, Mt. Olive, NC, Douglass Elementary and Draper Elementary both in Eden, NC.

During her leisure time she enjoyed gardening, shopping, reading and her favorite sports team was Carolina, UNC. She loved cats and dogs. Because of her, many stray animals on Henry Street were able to be fed and have water to drink. She was a faithful member of St. John United Methodist Church, Eden, NC until her health declined, serving in many capacities, UM Women, Finance Committee, the choir, the building committee for the new parsonage and the adult Sunday School.

In addition to her parents preceding her in death was her sister, Sarah C. Bell, brother; John “Spence” Bell, Jr and Elliott Bell “Span” who was raised up with her but was first cousins. She leaves to cherish her memory and mourn her loss: John Bell, III, nephew and Laura Bell-Blackstock, niece along with other family members, friends, neighbors, church members and students she taught during the years. She also leaves her loving friend, “Benji”, that she loved dearly.

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My sincere condolences to the family of Ms. Mary Catherine Bell. I was in her last 1st Grade Class before she retired from teaching at Draper Elem in the late 70's. Plus she also taught my late father at Douglass. What I remember most about her, was how sweet and compassionate she was for everyone. I admired and respected her. A very classy lady and a role model. We also lived on the same street at Henry St in Eden. You will be missed Ms. Bell! Perry N. Saunders

PRAYING FOR THE BELL FAMILY

Dear Family, please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your loved one. Ms. Bell was one of the best educators in Rockingham County. Her giving and loving spirit will be missed but her lessons will be taught forever. Shelia K. Moyer, Indian Head, MD

To the family of Mrs.Catherine Bell,She was a loving person and will be missed but not forgotten. I am sending my prayers to her family. Ms. Bell rest in peace. Vanessa Scales Harper & family

Ms. Mary C. Bell was my first-grade teacher in 1958 she was among one of the great educators of our time the things I learned I taught them to my sister and brothers who came after me. To her family please remember John 5:28,29 There will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous. Ampsy Miller Eden, NC

Miss Bell touched so many lives I will always remember this sweet lady she was my 1st grade teacher at Draper elementary God bless 🙏 Roger Griffin

It was a pleasure and an honor to know Ms. Catherine Bell. She was a teacher of teachers;her God-given passion ! She even taught while residing at the Penn Center . She was also an avid reader .Whenever I saw her she would request that I bring her something to read . She will be missed but not forgotten. A true Bennett Belle! Condolences to the family 🙏 Rev. Dr. Portia Hopper & family Augusta, Georgia I

Prayers to the Bell family. Ms Bell was my first grade teacher. She will be missed and remembered even more . Rest in peace Ms Bell. Anita stultz Eden NC

Prayers to the family. Ms Bell was my first grade teacher one of my favorites she was a very sweet lady and will be missed by many and remembered even more.

Miss Bell was my first grade teacher and also my Sunday school teacher when I attended St. John's Methodist Church. She was the best teacher. My earliest memory was of her being so kind and loving to us as children in her class. Rest well Miss Bell. Lourdes Scales Webster, Virginia Beach, VA

Sorry to hear of Miss Bell's passing. She was my first grade teacher at Douglass and I will never forget get herloving way of teaching. She will be geeatly missed. Virginia Casey Watlington

She was an awesome lady and a great school teacher. RIP. James Calvin Hairston & Family

She was one of the nicest teachers you'd ever want to meet... she treated all the children as though she were there a second mother...

Miss Bell was my First Grade teacher at Douglass in 1958. She told me when we talked when I visited her at Annie Penn that she had taught in Laurinburg,NC prior to coming to Eden, I was unaware of that. We had a very wonderful conversation that day. I recounted to her what a wonderful, loving teacher she had been to me. It was because of her that my aunt Miss Ward became aware that I needed eyeglasses. I will never forget that. There are not many teachers now with the empathy, dedication and sheer concern that she possessed. Her memory will live in my heart forever. My condolences to her surviving family. She was a gem!!
Sincerely, Donna Waldron

Rest In Peace Ma Bell ❤️

Sad to hear of Ms. Bell she was my first grade teacher at Draper Elementary. She was such a sweet lady to all of the children she taught. She will always be remembered by me and many more.

Mary Catherine Bell was an awesome first grade teacher at Draper Elementary for many years. I had the privilege of working with her as a sixth grade teacher. She loved the children and was an example of the very best in education. My God provide you with peace and comfort at this difficult time. Rev. Wayne Parleir

Sorry for your loss. Juliette Miller

Sorry for your loss she will be truly missed at Penn Nursing Center.

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Ms. Bell. She was also my first grade teacher at Douglass school and what a beautiful person she was. Condolences and prayers to the family and may her precious memories warm your hearts. RIP. Debbie Keen Johnson

To the Bell family I send my condolences and prayers. Ms. Bell was my 1st grade teacher at Douglass High School and one of the best. She and I served on the board of Rockingham County Habitat with her before her health declined. I'm going to miss her and I know she is at rest. A beautiful and loving woman, she will be forever missed.
Linda Hampton Eden NC