A beautiful life, lived with unwavering faith, boundless love, and joyful service, came to a peaceful close when Deaconess Bettie Ruth Bell entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. While our hearts grieve her absence, we rejoice knowing she has received her heavenly reward. Mrs. Bell was born on April 8, 1934, in Tampa, Florida, to the late Rev. James E. Lowe and Lillie Mae Lowe. A lifelong resident of Tampa, she attended Hillsborough County Schools and graduated from Middleton Senior High School. Mrs. Bell dedicated her career to serving others. She worked at Morrison's Pharmacy before spending more than thirty years with GTE as a long-distance operator. After retirement, she became a school crossing guard, where she found joy protecting children, greeting them with a warm smile, and ensuring that they were safe. For more than thirty years, Deaconess Bell faithfully served at St. Luke A.M.E. Church. She was an active member of the Deaconess Board, the Women's Missionary Society, the Trustee Board, and the Young at Heart Ministry. Her faith was evident in both her service and her daily walk with God. Mrs. Bell was known for her radiant smile, elegant high heels, and beautiful collection of hats. She loved laughing, telling jokes, cheering for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, shopping and preparing meals that brought family and friends together. She truly never met a stranger. Whether at church, the grocery store, or the mall, her kindness and warm smile made everyone feel welcome. 

She was preceded in death by her husband of sixty-four years, Mr. Joseph Bell, Jr.; her seven siblings; their spouses; and many other relatives. 

She leaves loving memories with her six loving children: Joseph Bell III (Kate), Rev. Jackie Dennis, Beverly Styles (Kelly), Ronald Bell (Brenda), Kenneth Bell (Bonnie), and Darrell Bell; twenty grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and her beloved St. Luke A.M.E. Church family