Sylvia Welch Bell, 93, of Jena, answered God’s call to come back to her resting place on Sunday, January 19, 2020.
She was born May 10, 1926 to the union of the late Annie and Pierce Welch. She had a long life which brings a cycle of changes, birth, joy, death and sorrows, but through it all her Faith in God never changed.
Sylvia was one of six siblings: Pierce, Louis, Fred Welch, Audrey Johnson and Idell Stevenson, all who preceded her in death.
She attended school in Catahoula Parish, and on June 20, 1991, she married Leo Bell, who preceded her in death 15 days earlier, on January 4, 2020.
Sylvia accepted Christ at an early age and has long been a faithful member of New Evergreen Baptist Church of Jena, serving as a Mother of the Church, Usher Board member, Choir member, and conducted missionary work. She also enjoyed for many years as a Masonic Eastern Star member of Lottie Chapter 32. She was always dependable in serving in any capacity wherever she was needed.
Services were held Saturday, January 25, at the New Evergreen Baptist Church of Jena with Rev. Chauncey Hardy, officiating.
Interment followed in the Webster Cemetery of Good Pine under direction of Gayden Funeral Home of Jena.
She leaves to cherish her memories, a special nephew, Alonzo Stevenson, who loved, cherished and cared for her; three step-sons, Earl Bell of Alamogordo, NM, Greg Bell of Jena, and Leroy Bell of Sacramento, CA; one step-daughter, Rhonda Bell of Houston, TX; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
Pallbearers were Patrick Cooper, Hiram Evans, Clay Farris, Lonnie Hatten, Bobby Purvis, and Levi Stevenson.
Honorary pallbearers were Robert Bell, Jr., Cedric Martin, Alonzo Stevenson, Abe Stevenson, Robert Stevenson, and Nolan Welch.