I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only,                                                                                  but unto all them also that love his appearing.                                                                                                                                                                       2 Timothy 4:7-8

     Olla Mary Bell was born November 15, 1934, to her parents Lee Fletcher and Sally Dotson Fletcher. She was educated in the public schools of Louisiana and went on to other great achievements in the Texas City community. In the fifties, she arrived in Texas City, Texas and made many accomplishments in business.  Olla had a very active entrepreneurial spirit, she was not only an excellent cook.  She also owned and operated several businesses in Texas City, including O&M Coffee Shop, Bells Barbecue, and a Beauty Salon where she employed family members, friends, and local residents.  She later worked for Texas City ISD and College of the Mainland until retirement. The greatest highlight of this journey was her meeting a young man from East Texas, Norman Bell, Jr., who became her husband of 59 years.

     For many many years, she was a devoted member of Barbours Chapel Baptist Church. Later, when her love, Norman Bell, Jr. rededicated his life to Christ, she joined him as a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. After his passing, she returned to Barbours Chapel, where she remained.

     On October 28, 2024, Olla Mary was called home. She is preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband Norman Bell, Jr., a son (Edward), her siblings, Henry Dickson, Jeff Fletcher, Frank Fletcher, Melinda Fletcher, Ida Bell Fletcher, Dorothy Scott, and Edward Fletcher.

     She is survived by her children, Ronald Bell (Gwen), Donald Bell (Debra), Norman Bell III (Angela) and Craig Bell (Anita), and her special daughter James Etta Bell. Her grandchildren, Marcee George (Chauncey), Keolla Martin (Brian), Norman Bell IV, Marcel Bell, K’Shel Bell, Deneil Bell, Chad Bell, Cameron Bell, Chase Bell, and Emori Cooper (Billy). Her great-grandchildren, Chelsey George, Mackenzie Mills, Chauncey George, Jr., her twin Maddison George, Nyla and Noah Cooper. Her sisters Ollie Lee Fletcher and Ora Deloris McCline and a host of nieces and nephews.

Words cannot express how grateful we are for your generous support and encouraging words.  Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers in our time of need. Your kindness means so much and will not be forgotten.

The Bell Family