Norma Jean Chastain Bell

Norma Jean Chastain Bell Norma Jean Chastain Bell passed away April 24, 2009 in her Austin home, surrounded by her family and friends. Norma was born in Waco, Texas on October 29, 1926. She was the eldest of four daughters. Norma is survived by her loving husband, Joseph W. (Bill) Bell; as well as her six adoring children, Jay (Rhonda), Susan, James (Charling), Gregory (Jana) (all of Austin), Peter (Karen) of Mt. Juliet, TN, and Christopher (Wendy) of Ventura, CA. She is further survived by her precious 14 grandchildren and five great- grandchildren; her little sisters, Joan Bosworth, Linda (Phil) Anderson, and Pat (Bo) Bertling; her stepmother, Lucille Chastain; her close cousin, Jeannette Kuhlman; her close niece, Jennifer (David) Cooney; and her new close friends here in Austin, Barbara Nicholas and Vera Mae Syptak. Norma was a true native Texan. Norma's mother was Mildred Hope Dockery of Moulton, Texas and her father was Alva Benjamin "A.B." Chastain of McLennan County, Texas. Other Texas family names were Babb and Moon. William Washington Moon was the first settler of San Marcos, Texas. Norma was qualified for membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution and a documented descendant of Charlemagne through her Babb family lineage. Norma and Lt Col Bell (USAF) were married on July 14, 1945 and were passionate about each other, raising their children and traveling. The Bell family was stationed in many places over the years, including Sandy Gulley Jamaica, St. Johns Newfoundland, Ramstein Germany, The Hague Netherlands, The Pentagon (Springfield VA), Biloxi MS, Gallup NM, Ventura CA, Mascoutah IL and Kansas City MO. After her husband retired from the US Air Force, Norma continued to enjoy traveling with him. Norma had converted to the Catholic Faith when she married Bill and they loved to visit the wonderful churches and cathedrals of Europe, together strengthening their faith. The couple enjoyed touring the US in their RV -- visiting family and friends. Norma and Bill shared a passion for flying, in addition to traveling. Norma's husband had been a pilot in WWII and he piloted B-17s while stationed in Italy, C47s in Vietnam and T-33 aircraft. The couple decided to work together to restore a 1950s era Piper single-engine airplane. Norma often stated that one of her greatest pleasures was flying in the Piper with Bill -- their mission was nearly always to visit with their family and friends. Norma often volunteered her time to hospitals, wherever she lived. She worked in medical transcription and for an ophthalmologist in Austin. When she lived in Germany, Norma taught dance and ballet classes. While living in Seguin, Norma participated in the local Catholic Prayer Circle (St. Anne's Society) in support of her Parish. She often volunteered for good causes. As her very close and dear friends Candy and Dutch (Hans) Naumann stated: "Norma was a motivating and inspirational force offering understanding, encouragement and support when it was needed the most"... Norma touched many lives in this way. Norma was a loving wife and doting mother who will be missed by all who knew her. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, 2009 with a Prayer Vigil at 7:00 p.m. at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 8, 2009 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 10205 RR 620 North. Interment will be held on June 1st at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. The Bell Family would like to thank Barbara Nicholas, Sharon Wallace, The Professional Caretakers Group, Austin Hospice Group, Dr Michael Pellegrini, Dr. Vivek Goswami of Austin Heart, Dr Zahir Momin and the staff of Seton Hospital for all of their care and support. Donations can be made to one of her favorite charities: Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Breast Cancer Foundation ww5.komen.org/ donate/donateonline.html or to the The Humane Society (ASPCA) www.aspca.org/donate/ Obituary and guestbook online at wcfish.com