Jean E. (Thomas) Bell

A Life Embraced and Well Lived “To Everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” -Ecclesiastes 3:1 A Time to be Born Jean Ester Thomas Bell was born on September 1, 1941, to her beloved parents, the late Elvis and Maggie Thomas of Helena, Georgia. She was the second of nine children. A Time to Live At an early age, Jean was baptized into the Christian family of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, Helena, Georgia. She was educated in the Telfair County School System, McRae, Georgia. After completing high school, Jean moved to Savannah where she furthered her education at Savannah State College, receiving a B. S. Degree in Elementary Education. She later continued her studies and received a M. S. degree in Elementary Education at Cambridge College in Boston, MA. A Time to Serve She was an educator in the Chatman County School System for thirty-five years where she retired in the year 2004. Jean united with Butler Memorial Presbyterian Church in Savannah, Georgia where Reverend Stephen Robertson serves as pastor. She was a member for over forty years. Through her years, she served as an usher, Elder, Former Moderator over Fellowship Ministry, Member of H. M. Scott Circle, and Boy Scout Leader. She was very supportive of the Family Promise Organization in donating and preparing delicious foods. Jean was also available to all who called on her. A Time to Depart Jean was called to eternal rest on Monday, November 13, 2023. A Time to Love Jean was married to her longtime friend James Bell, who preceded her in death. To this union, one child was born, James Lonon Bell. A Time for Family Jean was preceded in death by her parents: Elvis and Maggie Thomas; brother, Elvis Thomas, Jr., and sister Ethel Bennett. Left to cherish beautiful memories are her son, James Lonon Bell of Savannah, GA; six sisters: Lena Wilcher of Eastman, GA; Pinkie (Ben) Clark of Milan, GA; Evelyn (Horace) Lester of Jacksonville, Ga; Mary Ann McRae of Helena, GA; Earlean Graham of Jacksonville, GA; and Katie Burnett of Helena, GA; one aunt, Lena Collins of Ecores, MI; two granddaughters, Shakira (John) Silas of Kennesaw, GA; Cheyenne Bell of Pooler, GA; grandson, Javon (Jessica) Bell of Pooler, GA; two great granddaughters, Skylar Silas, Jenna Bell; a special and devoted friend, David Whitten of Eastman, GA; a devoted niece, Deborah Rouse of Savannah, GA; devoted daughter-in-law, Stephanie Bell; a devoted friend: Annette (Lee Otis) Graham of Pooler, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and devoted friends

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jean E. (Thomas) Bell, please visit our floral store.