Mary Ellen Mitchell Anderson Bell

May 18, 1932 - January 29, 2016

Mary Ellen Mitchell Anderson Bell of Lake Dallas, Texas, died peacefully in the arms of her beloved son, Randy, on January 29, 2016. She had been fighting many health issues and endured heartbreak over the recent passing of her husband, Coleman Bell. Born the fourth precious child of Mary Ellen Roberson and Joshua James Mitchell on May 18, 1932, Mary Ellen was a cherished, and doted upon, sparkling personality from the moment she emerged into this world. Her birth was overseen by family physician Uncle Will in the cotton farming community of Norton, Texas. Mary Ellen spent her entire youth in Norton, where she attended Norton Schools. In addition to her studies, Mary Ellen dedicated her high school years to serving as a majorette for the Norton High School Eagles. Mary Ellen then moved to Abilene, where she met her first husband and father of her two sons, JT Anderson. During her life with Mr. Anderson, Mary Ellen, with sons Ricky and Randy, traveled and explored much of the State of Texas, as JT worked in the oil industry. Mary and sons eventually settled in Fort Worth near Maxine Garner and other family members. After Mr. Anderson moved on to another part of the State, Mary Ellen met the handsome Mr. Coleman D. Bell from Mississippi. They were soon married in Fort Worth, beginning a new chapter in her life. Through their family union, Mary Ellen gained a precious stepdaughter, Brenda Bell Garcia, and stepson, Kenneth Bell. Their family lived in Lake Dallas for the remainder of their lives together. In her career pursuits, Mary Ellen expressed her hard working farming ethic into every job she had. She worked many years in banking where she was awarded Best Employee of the Year several times. After her career in banking, Mary Ellen worked at the Good Samaritan Retirement Home, where she shined at what she did best-serving others. In this role, Mary Ellen found her true calling, meeting her desire to serve other people with joy. Blessed with a bubbly personality, and keen sense of humor, Mary Ellen was an uplifting and positive influence on all around her. Even in the darkest hour, she had faith and optimism to go forward and a knack to finding a way to have things work out. Beyond all other obligations in life, Mary Ellen's family and extended family were her top priorities. She dearly loved her boys, Brenda, siblings, and all of their families. Reading the Lord's word was both a passion and consistent practice--Mary Ellen held devotionals and read scripture from her well-worn collection of Bibles every day. One of her favorite passages was II Corinthians 5:7 "We walk by faith, not by sight". Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her husband, Coleman D. Bell, son, Richard Wayne Anderson, and brother William Wesson Mitchell. She is survived by her son, Randall John Anderson, Brenda Bell Garcia, grandchildren, Richard Duane Anderson, Charla and Tracy Anderson, and Bradley Garcia; several great-grandchildren; her siblings, Wilma Faye Duke Bernard, Dixie Maxine Garner, Tommie Jane Collins, Jackie Lee Mitchell, and Shirley Ann Mitchell; and Mrs. Chieko (William Wesson) Mitchell. Mary Ellen was also blessed with numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and many dear friends. Please join family and friends for a Celebration of Life for Mary Ellen Mitchell Anderson Bell on Wednesday, February3, 2016, at the Calvary Baptist Church in the John T. White community of Fort Worth, 625 Williams Road, Fort Worth, TX 76120. Visitation will be from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., and the memorial service will begin at 11:30 a.m. A dinner will follow for all. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions in Mary Ellen's name to Calvary Baptist Church or your favorite Christian charity.