of Mount Vernon, AR
July 1, 1936 - July 8, 2024
Mary Lois Bell, 88, of Mount Vernon, AR, went to be with the Lord, July 8, 2024. She was born July 1, 1936, in Naylor, AR, to Elven and Ruby Flippen. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Elven and Ruby Flippen; husband, Jason Bell; Sister, Sybil Hamlett; Brother, Fred Flippen; and son-in-law Darrell Keeler.
Mary grew up in Naylor, AR where she and her siblings worked on the family farm sometimes selling eggs and raising chickens to earn money for schoolbooks and clothes. Mary attended Mount Vernon School where she found her love for basketball. Mary always said she could beat any boy or girl on the court. While playing basketball in high school her team went on to win a championship. After high school Mary attended Arkansas State Teachers College. She married the love of her life, Jason Bell on February 3rd, 1956. She and Jason started a family and soon welcomed 2 baby girls. Mary would spend hours making clothes for her kids, cooking meals, and ensuring the house was spotless. One of her favorite past times was gardening. Mary always had an immaculate yard and flower gardens. In addition to taking care of her family Mary also worked at Teletype for close to 20 years. Mary loved to stay busy so in her later years, after retirement she went to work at Chester Fried Chicken in Vilonia, AR. She loved talking to people, so this was a perfect past time for her.
Mary cherished the family that she and Jason started. She loved telling stories of ''The Olden Days''. Mary could call the Hogs like no other and she never missed a chance to watch a Razorback football or basketball game. Mary went by many names throughout her lifetime; Doy, Sister, Reba, and G-Unit but her favorite titles were Mother and Granny. She was loved and respected by many.
Mary is survived by her children, Carolyn (Jon) Crilly of Oklahoma City, OK and Kay Keeler of Mount Vernon, AR as well as her grandchildren, Shannon Saxton, Jason (Carrie) Keeler, Geoffrey (Desiree) Keeler, Jessica (David) Perez, Tracy Setzer, and Adrienne (Joey) Balentine. She is also survived by 14 great-grandchildren, her sisters Ruby Goff, and Barbara Johnson, brother Gene Flippen, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 2:00pm at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at 1:00pm. Burial will follow in Hawthicket Cemetery, Mt. Vernon, AR.
Online guestbook available at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com
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9 Condolence(s)
Christie Graves
Monday, July 15, 2024
We are so sorry to hear of Doy's passing. We loved her so much and love you all as well!
Love Christie, Tonya, and Johnathan
Larry & Kathlyn Arnett
Sunday, July 14, 2024
We are so very sorry. Our prayers will be with your family.
Karen mitchell
Sunday, July 14, 2024
Barbara I’m so sorry to hear of your sisters passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Ceceilia Rea Norman
Sunday, July 14, 2024
I remember Mary Lois and her basketball playing days. She was a very good player. She was always well liked by her peers. To her family, I know you will miss her. I got to visit with her at her home in Mt. Vernon a few times when I was going thru the area. I am very sorry for your loss. God be with you all.
Connie Farner
Saturday, July 13, 2024
Mary was a sweet lady and loved her family. I sure did enjoy seeing her at her grandkids ballgames. Prayers for all.
Tom Hedrick
Saturday, July 13, 2024
Mary aka granny was a great inspiration to me and many people and also one of my best workers. As long as you had BLACK COFFEE for her she was fine.
Love you Mary Bell
Paulette Bryant
Saturday, July 13, 2024
Barbara, Gene, Ruby Nell, and family you are in my prayers and thoughts
Sherry McCurley
Saturday, July 13, 2024
Mary Bell was full of life. She enjoyed a good laugh and was a generous person. I first met her when my brother, Darrell started dating her daughter Kay. She let me come to her house, even if she wasn’t home my senior year of high school so I could use her sewing machine to sew my prom dress. I know you all will miss her dearly. She loved you all with her whole being.
Susan Byers
Saturday, July 13, 2024
I met Mary Bell through my husband Dale. When Mary decided to move back to Arkansas Dale talked Mary into letting us buy her and Jason’s home where we lived for 23 years and enjoyed the beautiful flowers and blooming bushes she left behind. Dale loved Mary and Jason as he considered Daryl a best friend and spent many hours with Mary and Jason while Daryl came to visit the love of his life Kay.
I am truly sorry for your family’s loss. She was a unique, memorable, one of a kind gem of a person. She and Dale and Daryl and Jason are having a party without us in heaven. My condolences