Joyce Bell
Funeral services for Joyce Bell, 95, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, April 21, 2013, at 1st Presbyterian Church, West Plains, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Bell died at 11:20 a.m., Thursday, April 18, 2013, at West Vue Nursing Center.
She was born on the Dora Ridge February 18, 1918 and her proud parents were Norton White Pease and Christena Moritz Pease.
She was the eldest of three daughters; and was preceded in death by one sister, Doris Stout and husband Curtis Stout and she is survived by her baby sister, Louise and husband James. A much loved brother, Dallas, died in his infancy.
Joyce rode the bus to Ava—thirty five miles every day graduating with the Class of 1936 (there was no high school closer). She met her love, Clyde Bell while attending high school at Ava and she graduated with a B.S. in Education from State Teacher’s College (MSU) and then later received a Master’s in Education from Drury University.
She married Clyde Bell on September 23, 1939 and a daughter Carol as born to this rural teaching couple. Carol and her husband Richard reside in West Plains as does their daughter Christena and her husband John Coleman as well as much loved great-granddaughter, Caroline Camille. Joyce is survived by five nephews and two nieces and a host of grand-nephews, their spouses and children.
Joyce lived through the depression (perhaps accounting for her philosophy to save everything), two world wars, and four military encounters while living a quiet, productive life in the hills. She grew up riding the bus and truly lamented when she could no longer drive her latest set of wheels! Joyce was a retired teacher and belonged to several educational organizations, the First Presbyterian Church of West Plains and the order of the Eastern Star. She liked people and loved having a booth at Aids then later to play bingo at West Vue or to entertain her special great-granddaughter, Camille.
During her 95 years, Joyce Bell experienced much, enjoyed lots and made every minute count. She was an independent, fun person who adapted to all of the changes that occurred during her lifetime. She will be missed.
Mrs. Bell will lie in state from 5:00 p.m., Saturday, until 12:00 Noon Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. A private interment will be in the Ava Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Clyde and Joyce Bell Elementary Education Scholarship, Boys& Girls Club of West Plains or charity of choice, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Clinkingbeard Family
April 19, 2013 @ 5:03 pm
Carol & Family,
Thinking of you and your family at this time. We have such fond memories of your Mother and her years of teaching.
Lyle, Florence, Brenda, Kirk & Toni
Rosemary Owens
April 21, 2013 @ 9:04 am
Louise, Just saw in the paper where Joyce has passed away. My prayers are with you and all the family. I know she will be missed.
Shirley Pendergrass Hart
April 22, 2013 @ 8:57 pm
Carol & family,
Was so sorry to hear about Joyce passing. Ann & I visited with her a few months ago and she was so alert we talked about old times. She was my first grade teacher and I have a lot of fond memories of her. She wrote me a few letters and sent some old pictures that I made copies of and sent hers back to her. I know you all will miss her greatly I will never forget her. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Shirley (Pendergrass) Hart
Cathy Carlson-Deatherage
April 24, 2013 @ 12:17 am
Carol & Family,
I was so sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. I always enjoyed working with her at Dad & Donna’s ceramic shop. She was a wonderful lady. I will always remember her warm smile and laughing eyes that would just twinkle. I will never forget her. Your all in my prayers and thoughts. Cathy (Carlson) Deatherage
Geri (Berry) Schlatman
April 26, 2013 @ 4:29 pm
Carol Elaine I read with sadness of the death of Joyce she and Clyde were by teachers at Black Jack School many years ago. I remember when you were born and Joyce bringing you to visit when you were just a few months old I also remember what you did to your Dad and how much she laughed. I think of them with such good memories they were the best teachers I ever had. In this time of loss I wish for you peace.
Janice Campbell
May 2, 2013 @ 12:13 pm
Dear Carol and Family,
I have been out of town and just saw Joyce’s obituary notice in the paper, so I am sorry that this note is coming so late. I want to send you loving sympathy for the loss of your mother, and I pray that God will give you strength and healing during this time of sorrow. What a blessing for Joyce to live such a long, fulfilling life. Your mother was such a fun loving person, and I have wonderful memories being around her, visiting with her. Can you believed she was patient enough to teach me to crochet.? That was a most difficult task! I loved both your parents very much and know it is a loss to our society as people of their generation are no longer with us. I have not seen her for several years, but she is an inspiration to me to stay involved and continue to be a part of everything. Thinking of you. Love, Janice
Ruth Fish Collins
May 26, 2013 @ 10:23 pm
Dear Carol,
Only yesterday did I learn of your Mother’s passing. I am so sorry.
I of course remember her first as my teacher at Pleasant Mound. She managed very well with the limited resources given her in a one room school. She read us chapter books and tried to fill in the gaps of our education as best she could. I remember her always being very nicely dressed. Later I would see her at Aids and we would visit about old times.
My sympathy to you and your family……….
Ruth Fish Collins