Kitty Bell

Kitty Odom Bell, 87 passed away Tuesday, July 28, 2009 at home. Kitty was born in Star, MS on June 22, 1922 to E.M. (Zeke) and Betty Spell Odom. She attended school in Star, finished at Shaw High School, and graduated from Delta State University with a B.S. in Education.\ \ Kitty married her long-time sweetheart, Ralph, in 1947. Ms. Bell was a member of Wesley Methodist Church in Jackson, MS where she taught classes and directed a church kindergarten. She taught elementary school in Jackson Public Schools for 10 years.\ \ In 1963, she and her family moved into the Odom home in Star. They joined Wesleyanna Methodist Church and she became very active teaching all age classes. After moving to Star, Kitty began teaching in Florence where she continued to teach for 19 more years. She was awarded Outstanding Elementary Teacher of America in 1972. Her students were always considered her children.\ \ Upon retirement, Kitty and her husband enjoyed traveling around the states. Her hobby became collecting ceramic chickens. Kitty was also a great cook and loved to try new recipes. Each family member had their own favorite recipe of hers.\ \ Kitty was preceded in death by her parents, Zeke and Betty Odom, her daughter, Barbara Lynn Bell, and her husband of 61 years, Ralph Bedford Bell. She leaves behind a son, Ralph Allen Bell of Star, two grandchildren, Brandy Bell Byrd and Allen Kyle Bell, both of Star, and one great-grandson, Cayden Hill Carter of Brandon.\ \ The family wants to thank Hospice Ministries for their kind services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wesleyanna United Methodist Church in Star.\ \ Visitation will be Friday, July 31, 2009 from 5-8 p.m. at Chancellor Funeral Home in Florence. Services will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Wesleyanna United Methodist Church in Star with interment in Lakewood Memorial Park. .