Christine F. Bell

Christine was born on January 10, 1948 in Key west, Florida to Herbert Clark and Doris Mae (Schumacher) Francisco. She was a Military child, so she moved around often, but ended up in Pensacola in 1965 were she graduated from Pensacola High School in 1966 and then went onto Mississippi State College and then Troy State for 3 years. On August 22, 1970 she was swept off her feet and married Matt Langley Bell III. They traveled around the USA for a couple years, as newlyweds, before settling down in Pensacola to start a family. They raised two children, Madison Langley Bell IV and Amy Christine Bell. She later ended up finishing her bachelors and graduated from UWF in 1986. Other than being an extraordinary stay at home wife and mother for many years, she then pursued a passion of hers and started teaching elementary school. She retired at age 50 when she became a widow and lost the love of her life.

Christine had a steadfast love for her family and friends, but also had a love for animals. She was very generous and donated to many animal sanctuaries around the USA. She had an eye for antiquing as well. If you were to walk through her house she could tell you the history of each piece with enthusiasm. She also thoroughly enjoyed planting and keeping a pristine yard. Her closest friends would say that she was ‘real’, no pretense about her! Her sense of humor was priceless. She could make you genuinely laugh, and even better, she could laugh at herself. On another note, she also had the ability to communicate and nurture the ones she loved. She had a real knack for making people feel better, by just being herself. She had the gift of being a true unconditional loving mother, grandmother and friend; the kind of woman you felt so comfortable being with and being yourself. Her grandchildren were the light of her life and she made sure they felt that abounding love. She made such an impact in so many lives and will be greatly missed. She was always known for her quick wit, infectious laugh and kind, generous, compassionate spirit.

Christine was preceded in death by her husband, Matt Langley Bell III, father and mother, Herbert and Doris Francisco, and brothers, Donny and Timothy Francisco. She is survived by her daughter, Amy Christine Forbes (Bell) and son, Madison Langley Bell IV, brother, Mark Francisco, son-in-law, Ken S. Forbes, daughter-in-law, Katrina Bell, niece, Dominique Diaz (Francisco), and nephew, Joe Francisco. She is also survived by her 5 grandchildren, Madalyn B. Forbes, Maegan G. Forbes, Lucas P. Forbes, Mckell E. Birch and Brady P. Birch, who were all so very special and important to her.

Donations, in her honor, may be sent to your animal sanctuary of choice or her favorite, which was The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.oaklawnfunerals.com for the Bell family.