Martha Be Bell

Martha Be Gips Bell, born May 27, 1940, in Houston, Texas, to Grace Williams Gips of Atlanta, Georgia, and Wilfred Herman Gips of Yorktown, Texas, passed peacefully on November 26, 2025, with her beloved husband, James Patrick "Pat" Bell, Sr., by her side.

Known affectionately as Nannie Be to her grandchildren, Martha was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother. Her life was a beautiful testament to love, creativity, faith, and gentle strength. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, James Patrick Bell, Sr., her daughter, Rebecca Be Bell Brusky (Kevin), and her son, James Patrick Bell, Jr. (Patricia); four grandchildren, Austen Taylor Sanchez (Justine), Grace Elizabeth Bell, Ava Catherine Bell, and James Patrick Bell III. Martha is also survived by her brothers, Brian H. Gips (Jane), Jerry R. Gips (Bette), and nephews Brian H. Gips, Jr. (Lillie), Russell T. Gips (Becca), and Graham H. Gips (Kristiann), and great nephews, Brian Gips III, James Gips, and George Gips, and great niece, Lily Hill. Martha is preceded in death by her parents of Houston, Texas, and her In-laws, James Eldridge Bell and Myrtle Bell Reynolds of Mount Pleasant, Texas.

Martha is a member of the graduating Class of 1958 from Lamar High School in Houston, Texas. In 1962, she received her Bachelor of Arts in English from Rice University in Houston, Texas. While a student at Rice University, her roommate, Judy Pauly Frizzell, convinced her to join a double date with Everett Frizell and Pat Bell. After the date, Pat famously told Everett, "I'm going to marry that girl." And he did. In 1961, Pat and Martha eloped and married in Houston, Texas – a joyful beginning to a love story that would endure for more than six decades.

The Bells made their home in Texarkana, Texas, for over 40 wonderful years, raising their family and building deep roots in their community. In 1977, Martha received her Master of Education from East Texas State University with the highest honors. Martha shared her warmth, patience, and passion for learning as an adored 3rd-grade teacher at St. James Day School in Texarkana. In addition to her devotion to education and after perfecting her craft, students received a delicately painted and hand-carved wooden Santa Claus figure that profiled their hobbies and personalities, lovingly crafted by Martha herself. These small treasures, gifted from her heart, became lifelong keepsakes for generations of children who passed through her classroom.

In 2001, Pat and Martha moved to Corpus Christi, Texas, where Martha continued her artistic journey in her new community. She poured her creativity into cherished heirlooms for family and friends-scrapbooks, pencil drawings, wooden figurines, watercolor, and exquisitely crafted decorative eggs.

Martha's legacy is one of quiet generosity, boundless creativity, and steadfast love. She leaves behind the beauty she created, the lives she touched, and a family who adored her beyond measure. Memories of our sweet Nannie Be are a blessing to us all.

A Memorial Service will be held on December 6, 2025, at Bates Cooper Sloan Chapel, 2805 South Jefferson Avenue, Mount Pleasant, Texas 75455. Visitation will be at 1:00 pm, and Services will commence at 2:00 p.m., with Burial to follow at Masonic Cemetery, Mount Pleasant, Texas.

Finally, our deepest gratitude to Dr. Robert Webster for his extraordinary care and to the compassionate community, caregivers, and hospice staff of Viera Senior Living in Corpus Christi. Your kindness, patience, and unwavering dedication brought comfort and dignity to Nannie Be in her final days. Our family is profoundly grateful for the gentle care provided and for the grace and support offered to us throughout her care.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

2 Timothy 4:7