Sharon Kay Bell

Sharon Kay Jarrett, born on September 12, 1953, in Silverton, Texas, was the beloved daughter of Claude Earl Jarrett and Francis Polly Jarrett. She grew up with an older sister, Patricia ‘Pat’ Jarrett, and later became a guiding figure to her younger siblings Jo, Earl, and James Jarrett. Sharon’s enthusiasm for athletics was evident throughout her life, as she relished the thrill of competition. Her high school years saw her vying for the title of Silverton Rodeo Queen, a pursuit she undertook alongside her sister Pat. Beyond her competitive spirit, Sharon was known for her benevolence and commitment to community service. Her remarkable contributions were recognized with the esteemed Yellow Rose of Texas Award, presented by the then-governor of Texas. Sharon was also a Lifeguard and taught children of all ages how to swim at the local Silverton Pool.

Sharon’s passion for sports remained undiminished in college, where her favorite sport was basketball. She realized her dream of playing basketball at Clarendon College. After college, she met and fell in love with Robert Taylor Bell, a charming Navy man, and they tied the knot in 1974, shortly after her graduation. The couple was blessed with two sons, Michael and Rob, and together, they built a beautiful life. Motherhood was a role that Sharon cherished deeply. She pursued a nursing degree alongside raising her children, graduating from the Methodist School of Nursing in 1992.

Sharon’s passion for nursing began at Methodist Hospital. A fortunate turn of events led her to become the West Texas Parkinson’s Coordinator for Lubbock and New Mexico after leaving the hospital. In this role, Sharon identified a gap in healthcare and initiated Nurse Feel Better, her passion project. She firmly believed in the healing power of laughter. Over the next few years, Sharon traveled across local and regional areas, using humor to help those battling Parkinson’s and other diseases. From 1995 to the early 2000s, Sharon and Robert relocated from Lubbock to Houston, embracing the change of pace that came with being empty nesters. During this period, Sharon became a doting grandmother to four wonderful grandchildren: Harrison (15), Wyatt (11), Brooke (8), and Wade (5). Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren, teaching them to swim, and cheering them on at their games, competitions, and performances. Her passion for sports transitioned from basketball to any sport her grandchildren played and any game that Texas Tech was playing. Sharon was an extraordinary individual, a supportive mother-in-law, and a compassionate leader with a profound passion for helping others.

On March 25th, Sharon found her richly deserved peace and kindness. After years of advocating and educating Parkinson’s patients, she overcame the intricate and emotionally challenging disease.

Preceded in death: Claud Earl and Polly Jarrett, Patricia Jarrett, and Earl Jarrett

Survived by: Husband: Robert Taylor Bell; Sons: Michael Bell (Lubbock) and Rob Bell (Lubbock); Grandchildren: Harrison, Wyatt, Brooke, and Wade; Siblings: Jo Bidwell (Ropes), James Jarrett (Lubbock)

On behalf of the Bell Boys, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who shared their love, kind thoughts, words, prayers, and actions. Thank you for your love for Sharon!

In closing, a thought from Nurse Feel Better,

“We cannot truly love anyone with whom we never share a laugh.” ~Agnes Repplier

“Laughter is an excellent way to start a friendship and undoubtedly the best way to end one.” ~Oscar Wilde

“Sometimes I feel like I have the worst job in the world,” says the toothbrush to the toilet paper, “Yeah… Right!”