Alice Carolyn Bell
Alice Carolyn Bell, 74, passed away June 2, 2007 at Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital after several lengthy illnesses. She was born March 17, 1933 and was the youngest daughter of Walter D. Bell and Anna L. McLester Bell of Rockport, Texas. Her parents preceded her in death as did her older brother, Walter D. Bell, Jr. and sister, Mary Frances Wied.
After graduating from Rockport High School, she attended Texas Woman?s University where she received a B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degree. Various professional experiences at Palm Elementary School and Wm. B. Travis High School in Austin TX, the Job Corps in McKinney, TX and the Austin Recreation Department provided her with a fairly unique background for a university professor in health/teacher education. In 1975, she joined the faculty at Lamar University. During an eighteen year period, she attained the rank of full professor and served as Department Head of Health, Physical Education and Dance and Women?s Athletic Director. Active leadership roles in professional organizations at the state level included Texas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance and The American Lung Association.
She is survived by her sisters, Dr. Myrtle L. Bell, Beaumont, TX, Mrs. Anna Mae Williams, Riverview, FL and Mrs. Patsy Hudman, San Angelo, TX; a brother, Glen McMillan, Canyon Lake, TX; nieces, Ms. Frances Williams, Mrs. Mary Zaleski and Mrs. Tami Newsome all of Riverview, FL, and Mrs. Linda Haddad of Abilene TX; nephews, Randy Ransleben, Houston, TX and Jeffrey Bell, San Antonio, TX; great nieces, Rachel Ransleben, Houston, TX, Dr. Lauren McVoy, Sea Cliff, NY and Ms. Ashley and Ms. Shawna Newsome, Riverview, FL; her very special friends, Dr. Belle Mead Holm, Dr. Mildred Lowrey and Mrs. Pam Garrett; and her beloved dog, Deion.
A heartfelt thanks and tremendous gratitude is extended to Dr. Denton Harris, Dr. Mark Toups, Dr. Jay Schachner, Dr. Henry Williams, Dr. Pam St. Amand and many other members of the medical community for their efforts and compassion in Alice?s treatment and care and to Pastor Brenda Warren whose presence and prayers supported her inner strength to lengthen her life.
A memorial service will be conducted on Friday, May 8, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. in the Claybar Kelley-Watkins Funeral Home, 1155 N. Eleventh St., Beaumont, TX.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to the Humane Society of Southeast Texas, 2050 Spindletop Ave., Beaumont, TX 77705 or to the American Cancer Society, 755 S. 11th Street, Ste 212, Beaumont, TX 77701