Joan W. Bell

Lt. Commander Joan W. Bell, USN Retired, a Warren resident, went home to be with the Lord Jesus on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

Joan was born on February 18, 1951, in Philadelphia, PA to the late Aloysisus and Marjorie White. Joan graduated from Nazareth Academy in Philadelphia and then from St. Joseph School of Nursing. She also graduated from Western Illinois University.

After nursing school, Joan briefly worked at JFK Medical Center in Philadelphia as a CCU registered nurse. She then joined the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps, working many types of nursing jobs, including helping the U.S. Marines at Fleet Hospital Five during the Gulf War.

Those who loved her will never forget her infectious laugh, beautiful smile, warm hospitality, and kind heart. She loved fashion, singing Broadway songs, dancing to 70s hits, holidays, and being with the people she loved at Disneyworld. Though she had an impressive career and service to our country, she was most proud of the titles of wife, Mom and Mom-Mom. Joan loved Jesus with all her heart and enjoyed reading her Bible, teaching Sunday School, and singing in the church choir.

Joan was preceded in death by her sister, Lorie Bennett. She is survived by her husband, Gregory F. Bell; her children, Lorie (Bill) Barnwell and Brenden K. Bell; her special grandsons, Bill G. Barnwell and David Barnwell; and her sisters, Anita (David) White and Margie (Bernie) Bujak. She will be greatly missed.

Memorial visitation for Joan will be held on Saturday, March 21, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service, 11:00 a.m., at Royal Oak Church, 411 E. 11 Mile Rd., Royal Oak. Military honors will be rendered by the U.S. Navy at the conclusion of the service.