Hazel Bell

NEW MADRID - Hazel Bell, 84, died March 3, 2002, at Beverly Healthcare in New Madrid.

Born Sept. 26, 1917, near Blytheville, Ark., daughter of the late Albert and Rosie Griggs Thomas, she attended Harrison High School in Blytheville and was a 4-H Club leader and member of the Extension Club. She was also a member of the Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Churches in LaForge and New Madrid, where she was pianist, Sunday school teacher and youth leader.

Her husband, the Rev. Charlie Henry Bell, preceded her in death on March 24, 1983.

Survivors include: one son and daughter-in-law, William Albert "Bill" and Vera Bell of New Madrid; four daughters and sons-in-law, Ozella and Bernard Johnson of Cleveland, Ohio, Lois Jean and J.M. Rutledge of Parma, Charlene and James Kelly of Chicago, Ill., and Mary Helen and Marcus Johnson of Newnan, Ga.; and 13 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by one son, James Sylvester Bell; and three brothers, four sisters and one great-grandson.

Visitation is from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Richards Funeral Home in New Madrid, where services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday. The Rev. Rea Moore will officiate.

Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.