Born September 17, 1930 in Sumner, Mississippi she was the youngest child of Manning Herbert James and Mary Lee Bacon James. She graduated from Blue Mountain College and taught elementary school in Shaw, Mississippi. Through mutual friends she met James Daniel Bell of Crystal Springs and they married in June, 1954. They started their life together in Jackson and in 1968 opened Bell Floral Company where they ran a successful business together for 30 years until retirement.
Helen was a member of First Baptist Church Jackson. She was a devoted member of the Radiant Sunday School Class and the Sanctuary Choir. After retirement she served on the offering team, the Carols by Candlelight ticket committee and drove the van for the Internationals Ministries.
There were many things in life that brought her joy, but none more that her family. She always looked forward to summer vacation and Christmas when we could all be together. She also loved to travel. A top bucket list item was checked off when she and Dad visited all 50 states. A shopping trip was a huge success if she found that perfect pair of heels and a purse to match. She was an avid gardener, a bird watcher, an expert seamstress, and loved crafts of any kind. You would never find her sitting still – if she was sitting down there was always some project in her lap.
She leaves to cherish her memory her husband of 61 years, James Daniel Bell, her son Heyward Bell and wife Carla of Clinton, Mississippi, daughter Eleanor Bell Schoolar and husband Greg of Richmond, Texas, and son Garland Bell of Agoura, California.
She was “Granny” to grandchildren Nicholas Schoolar and wife Mandy, Corinne Bell Graham and husband Sam, Andy Schoolar, and Colin Bell. She was also blessed with 5 great granddaughters Taylor, Carly, and Ella
Schoolar, and Emory and Ealey Graham.
Visitation will be Monday July 20th from 5–7pm at Lakewood Funeral Home, 6011 Clinton Boulevard, Jackson, Mississippi.
Interment will be at Canton City Cemetery.
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