Elizabeth M. Bell

Elizabeth Bell Wimpee passed away peacefully of natural causes on February 16, 2017, two weeks shy of her 99th birthday. Betty -- also affectionately known as Libby, Mom, Granny Bell, Sis and Aunt Libby -- was preceded in joining the Lord by her husband of 55 years, Roscoe Bell, and is survived by her current husband of 18 years, Frank Wimpee. Betty was born in Ashburn, Virginia in 1918 and lived there until she married Roscoe in 1938. They moved to Jacksonville, Florida in 1940 where she has resided ever since. She was a long-time employee of Florida National Bank at its main office in downtown Jacksonville. By far, however, the most important affiliation in her life, besides her family, was her church, Hendricks Avenue Baptist, which she and Roscoe joined in 1947, two years after it first opened its doors. Roscoe passed away in 1993, and in 1998 Betty married her current husband, Frank Wimpee, also a long-time member of the church, who had lost his first wife some years before. They have deeply enjoyed their time together in Mandarin, and have remained strongly bonded throughout their years together. The church was the focal point of Betty’s many life-long friends, although her radiant smile, outgoing personality, and caring and hospitable spirit attracted many friends from wherever they were fortunate enough to encounter her. Betty and Roscoe were each one of nine siblings in their respective families, so throughout most of her adult life, Betty relished the joy of having as many as 30 sisters and brothers (none of whom she ever thought of as in-laws) and 27 nieces and nephews, all of whom she cherished and many of whom remained in close contact with her, even throughout her last days. Although Betty spent most of her last two years largely confined to bed and under Hospice care, her spirits, alertness, charming wit and sweet, smiling personality were never diminished. She took particular joy from her interaction with her daily caregivers, led by Donna Baskette, who was Betty’s primary helper and dear friend for nearly 20 years. In addition, to her husband, Frank, Betty is survived by her proudest and fondest accomplishments, her two sons, Stephen Bell and wife Sandy, and Dan Bell and wife Trish, who Betty regarded as her daughter and cherished friend for nearly 60 years; her four grandsons, Rev. Dr. Daniel M. Bell and wife, Sara, Scott Bell, Rodney Bell and wife, Sandra, and Eric Bell and wife, Sheli, and granddaughter, Suzette; her four great granddaughters, Reese, Riley, Abigail and Katelyn; three sisters-in-law, Avis Bell, Sharon Bell and Delores Bell; as well as countless nieces, nephews and their spouses and children. Her oldest surviving niece, Ann Desilets and husband Al, of Louisville, Kentucky and their six children were exceptionally close to Betty, practically adopting her as their grandmother since about 1980. A service celebrating Betty’s joyous life will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2017, at 3:00 p.m. at Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church, 4001 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida 32207, followed by a reception at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate donations in honor of Betty to the Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church.