Jewell Shell

SHELL, Jewell Bennett, age 86, of Farragut, Tennessee passed away peacefully surrounded by family on September 3, 2025. Jewell was a long-time member of Concord United Methodist Church where she married Malcolm on September 8, 1961. The present-day chapel was the main worship facility at that time, and they were the first couple married at the present location. A graduate of Jellico High School, Jewell then graduated near the top of her class from Fort Sanders Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing where she earned her R.N. designation, and later received a baccalaureate degree with honors from the University of Tennessee. Jewell worked as a nurse educator at the University of Tennessee Hospital School of Nursing and later at Fort Sanders Hospital School of Nursing, guiding young students through one of the most important and often challenging periods of their lives. Later, while visiting local hospitals, she almost always ran into one of her former students, some of whom had risen through the ranks to become nursing administrators. She also worked as a public health nurse at the Fairfax County, Virginia Public Health Department during her husband Malcolm's employment in that area. It was an experience she valued because it brought her into contact with many who had "fallen through the crack" of society, offering opportunities to turn sadness into hope and doubt into self-confidence. Jewell also enjoyed golf and tennis and was an avid reader. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Malcolm, and her great nephew Donald A. Prater, his wife Julie, and children. She is also survived by Malcolm's family, Max and Linda Shell, Rebecca and Roger Roberts, and other nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends at Concord United Methodist Church from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Monday, September 8, 2025, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 2:00 p.m. Inurnment will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Concord United Methodist Church or Holston United Methodist Home for Children, Greeneville, TN. Jewell looks forward to the time when all the family will meet again beyond the sunset and have a glorious reunion.