Mrs. Betty J. Bell

Betty Jean Curry was born on June 24, 1946, to the late Curtis and Wilmer Hearn Curry in Lauderdale County, Mississippi. Betty Jean is the 6th child born to this union of 13 children. At an early age, she confessed her belief in Christ at Good Hope Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) church of Toomsbua, Mississippi. Betty Jean loved her church and worked for the Lord in many capacities. She served at Good Hope as a choir member, choir director and usher. As she grew in her walk with God, she accepted the call to the Ministry and hence forth served as a minster at Good Hope until her health failed. Betty Jean was educated at Stevenson School and Middleton Attendance Center. There at Middleton, Betty met her best friend for life, Mrs. Elnora Spears Parson. Betty Jean had many jobs in different fields, she worked at Mosby Meat Packing Company, General Box and later employed at Mississippi Action for Progress for 20 plus years. She loved to fish and cook. Betty Jean was an excellent cook and fed anyone that ever graced her table. Her dear cousin Algene Hall said "she could cook a rock and make it taste good." Betty Jean was blessed with 2 children, Johnny and Sandra Jean Curry who reside in Cincinnati, Ohio. At the age of 53 she married Willie Dewitt Bell, and to this union no children were born. Minister Betty Jean left her earthly home and gained her wings on December 10, 2023 surrounded by her loved ones at home in Meridian, Mississippi. Betty is preceded in death by her parents, Curtis and Wilmer Curry; sisters, C. Bell Curry, Marvine Curry, Winnie C. Lee, Linda Curry Portis; and only brother Curtis Lee Curry. She leaves as a reflection of her memory by her children, Johnny Earl and Sandra Jean Curry (Cincinnati, Ohio); loving grandson, William Evan Shearer all of Cincinnati, Oh; 7 sisters Annie C. (Jim) Neal (Meridian, MS), Georgia Mae Curry (Cincinnati, OH), Willie Ann Edwards (Cincinnati, OH), Brenda Faye (Roger) Horton (Meridian, MS), Bobbie Nell Curry Carmara (Meridian, MS), Annie Bell (Hubert) Hill (Meridian, MS), and Joyce Ann Hurdle (Cincinnati, OH); a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends; her best friend and sister Elnora Spears Parsons.

Mrs. Betty J. Bell

June 24, 1946 - December 10, 2023