Bettie Jo Bell

Bettie Jo Bell, 86, of Kennesaw passed away on Tuesday, January 23, 2018. Funeral Services will be held Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Marietta with Dr. Sam Matthews, Rev. Lori Ethridge, and Rev. Brian Smith officiating. There will be a reception held following the service. How I Lived My Dash Bettie Jo (Alexander) Bell I was born on November 27, 1931 in Navoo, AL to my parents Marvin and Adelle Alexander. My dad was killed in a coal mine accident when I was only three years old. Mother married my step-dad, Woodrow Guthrie, when I was about nine. He was a good man and the best step-dad ever. I have a younger brother, Frank (deceased), and a younger sister, Sue. My step-dad was so good to me, and loved me as much as my siblings. He was the mayor of Carbon Hill, AL for five terms in office. I attended public school in Carbon Hill, AL. After graduating high school in 1950, I moved to Birmingham and worked for Southern Bell. It was at that time that I met the man of my dreams, Robert (Bob) Bell. We were married on August 27, 1955. We were blessed with two wonderful children, Robert Jr. (Bert) and Deborah (Debbie). I was a full-time mom and I was active in my church, community and our children’s school. I taught 2nd Grade Sunday School, was a leader in Women of the Church, the co-President of the PTA and always a room mother at school. We took family car trips every summer going to places like Bar Harbor, Maine, the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Park. I worked part-time with the Census Bureau for several years before going back to work with Southern Bell. I retired from the telephone company in 1988. After both Bob and I retired, we enjoyed many travels abroad. We went to the Holy Land, Greece, England and Scotland. Our children blessed us with four grandchildren that have been a treasure to Bob and I ever since they were born. Survivors include her husband, Robert F. Bell, Sr.; son, Robert F. Bell, Jr. and his wife, Suzanne; daughter, Deborah Crace and her husband, Michael; grandchildren, JoAnna Bell, Amelia Bell, Priscilla Bell, Kerrick Crace; sister, Sue Hinds; and many loving relatives in Walker Co., AL. Contributions may be made in loving memory of Bettie Jo to Asbury Theological Seminary Advancement Office, 204 N. Lexington Avenue, Wilmore, KY 40390-9989. Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home in Marietta is handling the arrangements. www.mayeswarddobbins.com 770-428-1511

Bettie Jo Bell

November 27, 1931 - January 23, 2018