Nancy Owen Bell

HENDERSON- Nancy Gail Owen Bell, 78, formerly of Rollins Ave., died Friday, April 26, 2024 at Maria Parham Health. Born January 17, 1946 in Vance County, she was the daughter of the late Emma Johnson Owen and Alexander Lofton Owen and was the widow of Joseph Carroll “J.C.” Bell, Jr. She retired from the Vance County Health Department where she worked in numerous capacities over several years. Nancy and J.J. were known to their children’s friends as “Ma and Pa Bell” and enjoyed traveling to the beach and cheering on their beloved Duke Blue Devils. As an amateur writer, she took pride in compiling family genealogy and having her poetry published. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at 2:00 P.M. in the chapel of J.M. White Funeral Home by Dr. Ron Cava. Nancy is survived by her daughters, Sharon Bell and Catherine Bell, both of Henderson; and her son, Joseph C. “J.J.” Bell, III (Amy) of Youngsville; four grandchildren, four grandchildren, Connor Joseph Bell, Ryan Nelson Bell, Teagan Haverland Bell, and Ward Alexander Haverland Bell; several nieces and nephews; and her brother, Ricky Owen. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by three sisters, Margaret “Tody” Watkins, Marie Ivey and Billie O. Cottrell; and a brother, Alvin Owen. The family will receive friends following the service at J.M. White Funeral Home. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105 (include the donation form found online or donate online at: www.stjude.org), a charity Nancy generously supported.