of Tilly, AR
May 24, 1920 - November 3, 2022
Chleora Betty Godfrey Bell, age 102, of Harrison, Arkansas formerly of Tilly, Arkansas, completed her earthly journey on Thursday, November 3rd, 2022 at Maple Esplanade in Harrison, Arkansas. She was born in Ella, Arkansas on May 24th, 1920 to William Eddington Godfrey and Ellen Malinda Treadwell Godfrey.
A teacher at the age of 16 in one-room schools at Chimes and Archey Valley, she was a lifelong reader and highly valued education. She professed her faith in Jesus Christ at an early age and attended Witts Springs Community Church and various local churches throughout her lifetime, enjoying Christian fellowship with her neighbors. She married her high school teacher, Columbus David Bell Sr. on August 12th, 1942. After his service in WWII, they used the materials from the Horn Store to construct their lifelong home at Tilly, except for short stays in Hector and Russellville while attending Arkansas Tech and teaching. Chleora enjoyed reading, gardening, flowers, sewing and farm animals. Her family enjoyed her cooking and especially fried apple pies.
Survivors include her children, Dr. Columbus David Bell Jr. EdD and wife, Debbie, Barbara Halsted and husband, Darrell, Denny Bell and adopted son, Alfred Berry; grandchildren, Columbus David Bell III and partner, Kristi Lee and her daughter, Callie, Christopher Brent Bell, Dr. Ross Halsted MD (Heather), Dr. Jessalyn Halsted OD (Alex Gossett MDiv), Dr. Matthew Bell PhD, Jared Bell and Camryn Bell MPH, RD, LD; great-grandchildren, Whittney Fryar (Joseph), Josh Bell (Breanna), Amelia Halsted, Elise Halsted, Ellis Halsted "E.H." Gossett and Grady Gossett; great-great grandson, Carter Fryar born on November 2nd to complete five generations and another Bell on the way; sisters-in-law, Libby Walden and Irene Bell; niece, Imogene Halsted and a host of great nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and staff at Maple Esplanade Assisted Living.
Chleora is preceded in death by her parents, Edd and Ellen Godfrey; her husband, Columbus David Bell who passed away in 1959; daughter-in-law, Kelly Bell; niece, Bonny Jean Docekal; grandson, Darrell Lath Halsted and her siblings, Ila Cordelia Parks, Ivy Godfrey, Nona Kimbrell, an infant sister, George Godfrey, Doyle Godfrey and Linda Campbell.
Funeral services celebrating the life of Chleora will be 2:00 PM Tuesday, November 8th, 2022 at Roller-Coffman Chapel in Marshall, Arkansas with Bro. Jim Arnold Jr. officiating. Visitation will be 1:00 till 2:00 PM preceding the service. Burial will follow in Union Hill Cemetery near Tilly, Arkansas, where Chleora will be laid to rest beside her husband, Columbus. Bearers will be David Bell, Chris Bell, Ross Halsted, Alex Gossett, Matthew Bell and Jared Bell. At the family's request in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Union Hill Cemetery, St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital or ActingOutAgainstCancer.org.
Sign Guestbook
17 Condolence(s)
Bob Reese
Wednesday, November 9, 2022
Deepest sympathy to family. Chleora was a very fine lady and it was a pleasure to have known her.
Sincerely,
Bob Reese
Pam Linker
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
Prayers for the Bell Family. May God Comfort you today.
Jackie Paxton
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
My sincerest condolences to the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Douglas U Freeman
Monday, November 7, 2022
Ms Chleora, I have so many fond memories, may you Rest In Peace, I hope I can attend your service tomorrow. Prayers for Denny and the family ðŸ™
Albert & Anna (Rainbolt) Maze
Monday, November 7, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families at this time.
Pat Halsted
Monday, November 7, 2022
This lovely lady blessed all who knew her. How very blessed you were to have her in your life.
Shellie Hanna
Monday, November 7, 2022
Sending my sincerest condolences to the entire family. I only know her through her son Dr. David Ball and know that she must have been an amazing person to have raised such an outstanding man whom I respect greatly.
Lynn Walsh
Monday, November 7, 2022
I too feel I knew her from the stories told by her son David. May she Rest In Peace. Love and prayers.
Sondra White (Baysinger)
Monday, November 7, 2022
So very sorry for your loss…. I had so much fun with Chleora and all my Witt Springs friends. I picked them up every Friday on the senior van and Chleora was such a light. I learned so much from her. What a wonderful lady and a beautiful legacy she leaves here on earth.
Teresa Auprey
Monday, November 7, 2022
Joy unspeakable must be what she's experiencing right now with Jesus. I never met Chelora but feel like I've known her personally the last 2 decades. A remarkable woman who showed us how God is the Father of a long, prosperous, and wonderful life. Our prayers are with all of you during this time.
Eddie & Pam Cannada
Monday, November 7, 2022
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of your sweet mother.
Coy & Sue Horton
Sunday, November 6, 2022
Barbara and family. our sympathy and prayers to you in the difficult days ahead. Ms Chleora was a sweet and interesting lady
Shirley J. Gray
Friday, November 4, 2022
My heart, thoughts and prayers are with the family. She was a very special lady and will be missed.
Kim Rickard Tate
Friday, November 4, 2022
David, Barbara, Tina, Tim and Family: I am so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful long life she had! All of you will be in my thoughts and prayers during the difficult days ahead.
Glenna West Clutts
Friday, November 4, 2022
I'll never forget the stories that my mom used to tell about her memories of growing up in Tilly and your mother. They were good friends that's for sure.
ANNA LEE KUNKEL
Friday, November 4, 2022
i am so very sadden to hear this. She was a great lady and a wonderful friend to my Momma. She will be greatly missed by the entire community. Prayers for you all.
Anna
Carlos Freeman
Friday, November 4, 2022
SORRY TO HER ABOUT YOUR MOM LOVE & PRAYERS