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Margaret “Jean” Bell
March 14, 1941 – June 23, 2026
Margaret “Jean” Bell, 85, made her way home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones. Her husband Carlton was always by her side, and her children cared for her with the same thoughtfulness, compassion, and kindness she had shown others throughout her life.
Jean was a devoted wife and mother and an avid crafter who was always creating something special for someone – a table decoration, a gift for church, family, or community. Over the years, she worked as a teacher and bookkeeper before retiring from the NC Welcome Center in 2025. Her love of flowers led to her most notable career success as the owner of Bell’s Florist. This often meant late nights delivering arrangements before church or dinner. A true multitasker, she would crochet as Carlton drove to the next destination, always seeking ways to make others feel special – whether on an ordinary day or in times of need. She created her own greeting cards using stamps and added crocheted flowers for a unique touch you simply could not buy in a store. She mailed them often, especially to her grandchildren, to let them know she was thinking of them.
On special occasions, which she often coordinated, everyone looked forward to Jean’s cakes and other baked goodies. She loved her family deeply and was immensely proud of them all. She became the historian for both the Powell and Bell families, spending countless hours researching and documenting their origins. Her happiest moments were spent with loved ones at special occasions -especially the annual Powell family reunion in Hertford, NC – or anytime she could dance with her lifelong love, Carlton.
Jean is reunited in heaven with her loved ones who preceded her; parents, William C. and Blanche W. Powell; daughter, Brenda Bell Mosesl; and siblings, Calvin, Leon, and Norma Rae Powell.
Jean is survived by her lifelong love and devoted husband of 65 years, Carlton B. Bell, Jr.; sister, Vivian Register; children, Jo Ann Konstanzer (Robert) and George Bell (Stephanie); cherished grandchildren, Corey (Sara), Max, Brianne (Neil), Jack (Georgia), and Austin; and great-grandchild, Reef (with a second expected in August, Winslow).
A viewing at South Mills Church of Christ will be held on Monday, June 29, beginning at 10:00am, with a service at 11:00am, followed by a reception. A private graveside service will be held for the immediate family. Please share a message of comfort with the Bell family via the online register at gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services was entrusted with arrangements.
Condolences
Jean joined our staff at the Dismal Swamp Welcome Center and was a wonderful ambassador of hospitality to travelers in NC. She was always positive and energetic and loved to share experiences with guests. She loved to entertain, cook, dance, crochet and was an amazing generous woman. She loved her work family and her own family. Gifted in so many ways, a Godly woman with so much love. She surely earned wings and a crown. We loved her and know her beloved Carlton and family have a lifetime of memories of endless acts of service she gave while she was here. I know she’s received her golden crochet needles. Much love to all who loved her. 🕊️
Mr Carlton and family each of you are in my thoughts and prayers. Ms Jean was a beautiful lady always saying or doing things to make people feel special and welcomed. She always had a smile and a laugh to share, always encouraging others. She will be missed as my pew mate at SMCC. Ms Jeans you were and will always be a precious jewel and a wonderful friend and sister in Christ. I will miss you and we see you again one day. To entire Bell Family thank you for sharing this wonderful lady with all of us she was a true gem. Love comfort and prayers for each of you in the days ahead. Love and prayers Angela Fiedler
To Carlont Bell and Family I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR THE PASSING OF YOUR SWEET WIFE SHE WAS VERY SWEET TO ME SENT ME CARDS I REALLY APPRECIATED THEM SHE WILL BE MISSED BY EVERYONE GOD HAS GOT ANOTHER ANGEL GOD BLESS ALLOF THIS FAMILY PRAYERS ARE GOING UP FOR ALL OF YOUCARLTON RAMONA
I was very sad to hear that Jean has passed. She was a very dear and loving soul who was very thoughtful and kind. She was well known in her many years of working at the Dismal Swamp Welcome Center in South Mills, NC. People still come in and ask about Jean because she loved people and they remember her advice on travel and willingness to help them in their travels. She will be greatly missed by all of us who worked with her and were her friends. Her talent and ability to organize and decorate as well as arts and crafts will surely help the co-workers she left behind. She was trustworthy and dependable and a teacher of her skills. She has left her foot print and big shoes to fill. We will remember her fondly.
May she rest in Peace with our Lord, Condolences to family and friends ... In Jesus name I pray ...AMEN
Miss Jean was such a worm, wonderful, loving Sister in Christ. I know she will be dearly missed by Carlton and the rest of the family. Our love and prayers are with you.
Carlton, Jo Ann, George and family. Words can not express how saddened we are by the passing of our beloved friend Jean. Duke always called her Margaret. I think he was the only one who got away with calling her by that name. Memories of Jean could fill pages,but I will always remember her for her beautiful crocheted things and she seemed to always have yarn and crochet hook in hand working on the next project. She has earned her golden crochet hooks now maybe working on her crocheted crown. She will truly be missed and remembered fondly.
To Calton and family I'm so sorry to hear about Jean prayers for you and the family she was a very special lady. Heaven just got another angel God Bless you and your family.
To Carlton and family, so sorry to hear of Jean’s passing. She was a wonderful lady. She will be greatly missed. Keeping you all in prayer.
My family and I knew Jean from church. For years she and Charlton who have a good joke or something uplifting to say. And my fondest memory is working elbow to elbow with her running the popcorn machine while I ran the cotton candy one. We did this for years at the Church's big kick off for their yearly Vacation Bible School. Great times, I guess God needed a fantastic cook and great organizer up in Heaven. She will be deeply missed. God Bless you Miss Jean.
I had the honor and privilege to know Jean from church. Her and Carlton were an amazing example to all of the married couples of this congregation. Their ability to poor into others I need was immeasurable. Your family was truly blessed to have the examples of them to see as you were growing up. Our prayers are with Carlton, each of you children as you process this new phase in life.
Mr. Carlton, Jo Ann, George & Family- we are so sorry for your loss. Jean was a gem of a human being- kind, thoughtful, joyous, caring and always helpful to family, friends, neighbors and visitors traveling to & from NC. She was a wonderful mentor and friend to so many. There's not a month that passes, where a visitor doesn't stop by to ask about her. We cherish all of the special memories, adventures, cards and crotchet treasures with her. Sending all of our love, prayers and comforting thoughts to Mr. Carlton and family!
Jean was such a special lady. My grandkids still have the the blankets and toys she crocheted for them. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know.her over the years at South Mills Church.
Dear Carlton this was a shock I didn't know Jean was sick she was the kindest and most loving lady she will be missed by all I will remember her and love her may God bless you and comfort you, love you Carlton 🙏❤️
Dearest Jean, I selfishly hoped the day would never come that Jesus would want you back. You loved, served, gave like no other. It’s hard to say goodbye when you are everywhere. Every holiday box has a crocheted decoration, every room in church has your special touch, every memory of our children’s births are touched by your generosity. Most special is the dress and matching doll you made for our daughter, who named her Carol, after one of your most treasured friends. Your words of encouragement in both spoken words and handmade cards are treasures. You often wrote to my mother in Ohio and recently said to her, “I love you because you gave us Lisa and she married Jim.” Jim and I have always said, Let’s be Jean and Carlton. Our hearts are broken over losing you, and the memories are too long to capture on paper. You helped make us who we are today. I will see you soon when we all get to heaven. What a glorious day that will be. Love Jim and Lisa
Carlton and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. So sorry for your loss. Jean was so special to so many and will be missed.
jean and calrlton bell have been our close friends for many years in our lifetime , and as members of the church of christ for many years .where she served tirestly working for the church in the name of jesus christ doing a lot more than her share daily and weekly. she will be missed in so many ways. please pray for carlton now that she is not with him. it is being very hard for him, because the did every thing together .
Mrs Bell was a very sweet lady that I adored. I’ve known her for many many years and remember her having her floral shop in Deep Creek and she had made my corsage for prom. We will all miss seeing her smiling face here at NC Foot and Ankle. I personally will miss seeing her at our polling station in South Mills. I will keep all of the family in my thoughts and prayers.
Many moons ago, when my Mom, Elizabeth Powell was still alive, we received a phone call from my Mom's sister in law, Edna Sewell Powell, that a distant relative named Jean Bell was looking for my Dad's extended family because she was related to my Great Grandfather, Thomas Powell, Sr through his second wife, Frances "Fanny" Jordan Powell. We are related to his first wife, Mary Jordan Powell who was Fanny's sister. What a wonderful blessing to connect to a part of our extended family that we didn't we ever would but there was wonderful, loving, exuberant Jean with her arms ready to unfold us into part of her family. She invited Mom and I down to have dinner with her and Carlton and from that moment on, we were family. Every moment we had the privilege of spending with Jean was a blessing. And our connection continued because Jean knew the real meaning of family and did all she could to make sure that we were loved and included in the extended family that meant so much to her. I just wish that this was not the way to find out that Jean had passed away. She meant the world to my family and this hurts. My sister and I would most definitely have been at her funeral to say goodbye. But I don't want to make this about us. This is about a warm, sweet, giving, loving daughter of our Heavenly Father who has now passed through the veil and is enjoying a wonderful reunion with friends and family who are lovingly welcoming her! I am sad that I will not be able to see her smiling face again but all of the memories I have of her and mementos will make me smile as I remember Jean. Love to all of my extended family, Jo Ann, George and grandchildren and great grands and especially funny, sweet Carlton who I know is missing his other half. May Jean RIP. I will never forget her. Jo Anne Powell Scott
I loved Jean she was our cousin from our great grandparents. I am saddened by her passing but know she is with her relatives and our Savior Jesus Christ. I will miss her.
Jean joined our staff at the Dismal Swamp Welcome Center and was a wonderful ambassador of hospitality to travelers in NC. She was always positive and energetic and loved to share experiences with guests. She loved to entertain, cook, dance, crochet and was an amazing generous woman. She loved her work family and her own family. Gifted in so many ways, a Godly woman with so much love. She surely earned wings and a crown. We loved her and know her beloved Carlton and family have a lifetime of memories of endless acts of service she gave while she was here. I know she’s received her golden crochet needles. Much love to all who loved her. 🕊️
Mr Carlton and family each of you are in my thoughts and prayers. Ms Jean was a beautiful lady always saying or doing things to make people feel special and welcomed. She always had a smile and a laugh to share, always encouraging others. She will be missed as my pew mate at SMCC. Ms Jeans you were and will always be a precious jewel and a wonderful friend and sister in Christ. I will miss you and we see you again one day. To entire Bell Family thank you for sharing this wonderful lady with all of us she was a true gem. Love comfort and prayers for each of you in the days ahead. Love and prayers Angela Fiedler
To Carlont Bell and Family I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR THE PASSING OF YOUR SWEET WIFE SHE WAS VERY SWEET TO ME SENT ME CARDS I REALLY APPRECIATED THEM SHE WILL BE MISSED BY EVERYONE GOD HAS GOT ANOTHER ANGEL GOD BLESS ALLOF THIS FAMILY PRAYERS ARE GOING UP FOR ALL OF YOUCARLTON RAMONA
I was very sad to hear that Jean has passed. She was a very dear and loving soul who was very thoughtful and kind. She was well known in her many years of working at the Dismal Swamp Welcome Center in South Mills, NC. People still come in and ask about Jean because she loved people and they remember her advice on travel and willingness to help them in their travels. She will be greatly missed by all of us who worked with her and were her friends. Her talent and ability to organize and decorate as well as arts and crafts will surely help the co-workers she left behind. She was trustworthy and dependable and a teacher of her skills. She has left her foot print and big shoes to fill. We will remember her fondly.
May she rest in Peace with our Lord, Condolences to family and friends … In Jesus name I pray …AMEN
Miss Jean was such a worm, wonderful, loving Sister in Christ. I know she will be dearly missed by Carlton and the rest of the family. Our love and prayers are with you.
Carlton, Jo Ann, George and family. Words can not express how saddened we are by the passing of our beloved friend Jean. Duke always called her Margaret. I think he was the only one who got away with calling her by that name. Memories of Jean could fill pages,but I will always remember her for her beautiful crocheted things and she seemed to always have yarn and crochet hook in hand working on the next project. She has earned her golden crochet hooks now maybe working on her crocheted crown. She will truly be missed and remembered fondly.
To Calton and family I’m so sorry to hear about Jean prayers for you and the family she was a very special lady. Heaven just got another angel God Bless you and your family.
To Carlton and family, so sorry to hear of Jean’s passing. She was a wonderful lady. She will be greatly missed. Keeping you all in prayer.
My family and I knew Jean from church. For years she and Charlton who have a good joke or something uplifting to say. And my fondest memory is working elbow to elbow with her running the popcorn machine while I ran the cotton candy one. We did this for years at the Church’s big kick off for their yearly Vacation Bible School. Great times,
I guess God needed a fantastic cook and great organizer up in Heaven. She will be deeply missed. God Bless you Miss Jean.
I had the honor and privilege to know Jean from church. Her and Carlton were an amazing example to all of the married couples of this congregation. Their ability to poor into others I need was immeasurable. Your family was truly blessed to have the examples of them to see as you were growing up. Our prayers are with Carlton, each of you children as you process this new phase in life.
Mr. Carlton, Jo Ann, George & Family- we are so sorry for your loss. Jean was a gem of a human being- kind, thoughtful, joyous, caring and always helpful to family, friends, neighbors and visitors traveling to & from NC. She was a wonderful mentor and friend to so many. There’s not a month that passes, where a visitor doesn’t stop by to ask about her. We cherish all of the special memories, adventures, cards and crotchet treasures with her. Sending all of our love, prayers and comforting thoughts to Mr. Carlton and family!
Jean was such a special lady. My grandkids still have the the blankets and toys she crocheted for them. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know.her over the years at South Mills Church.
Dear Carlton this was a shock I didn’t know Jean was sick she was the kindest and most loving lady she will be missed by all I will remember her and love her may God bless you and comfort you, love you Carlton 🙏❤️
Dearest Jean, I selfishly hoped the day would never come that Jesus would want you back. You loved, served, gave like no other. It’s hard to say goodbye when you are everywhere. Every holiday box has a crocheted decoration, every room in church has your special touch, every memory of our children’s births are touched by your generosity. Most special is the dress and matching doll you made for our daughter, who named her Carol, after one of your most treasured friends. Your words of encouragement in both spoken words and handmade cards are treasures. You often wrote to my mother in Ohio and recently said to her, “I love you because you gave us Lisa and she married Jim.” Jim and I have always said, Let’s be Jean and Carlton. Our hearts are broken over losing you, and the memories are too long to capture on paper. You helped make us who we are today. I will see you soon when we all get to heaven. What a glorious day that will be. Love Jim and Lisa
Carlton and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. So sorry for your loss. Jean was so special to so many and will be missed.
jean and calrlton bell have been our close friends for many years in our lifetime , and as members of the church of christ for many years .where she served tirestly working for the church in the name of jesus christ doing a lot more than her share daily and weekly. she will be missed in so many ways. please pray for carlton now that she is not with him. it is being very hard for him, because the did every thing together .
Mrs Bell was a very sweet lady that I adored. I’ve known her for many many years and remember her having her floral shop in Deep Creek and she had made my corsage for prom. We will all miss seeing her smiling face here at NC Foot and Ankle. I personally will miss seeing her at our polling station in South Mills. I will keep all of the family in my thoughts and prayers.
Many moons ago, when my Mom, Elizabeth Powell was still alive, we received a phone call from my Mom’s sister in law, Edna Sewell Powell, that a distant relative named Jean Bell was looking for my Dad’s extended family because she was related to my Great Grandfather, Thomas Powell, Sr through his second wife, Frances “Fanny” Jordan Powell. We are related to his first wife, Mary Jordan Powell who was Fanny’s sister. What a wonderful blessing to connect to a part of our extended family that we didn’t we ever would but there was wonderful, loving, exuberant Jean with her arms ready to unfold us into part of her family. She invited Mom and I down to have dinner with her and Carlton and from that moment on, we were family. Every moment we had the privilege of spending with Jean was a blessing. And our connection continued because Jean knew the real meaning of family and did all she could to make sure that we were loved and included in the extended family that meant so much to her. I just wish that this was not the way to find out that Jean had passed away. She meant the world to my family and this hurts. My sister and I would most definitely have been at her funeral to say goodbye. But I don’t want to make this about us. This is about a warm, sweet, giving, loving daughter of our Heavenly Father who has now passed through the veil and is enjoying a wonderful reunion with friends and family who are lovingly welcoming her! I am sad that I will not be able to see her smiling face again but all of the memories I have of her and mementos will make me smile as I remember Jean. Love to all of my extended family, Jo Ann, George and grandchildren and great grands and especially funny, sweet Carlton who I know is missing his other half. May Jean RIP. I will never forget her.
Jo Anne Powell Scott
I loved Jean she was our cousin from our great grandparents. I am saddened by her passing but know she is with her relatives and our Savior Jesus Christ. I will miss her.