Ann Robeson Bell

1935 - 2021

Ann Robeson Bell, 86, of Carriere, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2021, with her husband Bill, children, and grandchildren at her side. Ann was born to the late James Alfred Robeson and Louise Peters Morecraft on January 4, 1935, in Knoxville, Tennessee. She graduated from West High School in Knoxville in 1952, along with Bill. She attended the University of Tennessee where she received a degree in Home Economics in 1955. Ann and Bill grew up together. They began dating during the last month of their senior year and have been together ever since, attending the University of Tennessee together and just recently celebrating their 66th wedding anniversary. Their married life began in Columbus, Georgia and Columbia, South Carolina respectively, while Bill served in the Army. They relocated to New Orleans in 1959 where they built a life together and raised a family. Ann is survived by her husband, William Russell Bell and three children: James Allen Bell of New Orleans (Jeanne), Michael John Bell (Aimée) of Covington, and Katherine Bell Finney (Sam) of Norfolk, Virginia. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Owen Chambers Bell, William Allen Bell, Leighton Bell Riess (Rob), Bristol Favrot Bell, Agnes Robeson Bell, Ann Gordon Finney, and John Wilson Finney. Ann was attentive to her busy family's needs and always provided a wonderful home-cooked meal to end each day. She still managed to be actively engaged with her community and served as the WYES co-chair of both the Art Auction and the Showboat Auction, the first President of the Preservation Resource Center, and as a tutor with the Start the Adventure in Reading (STAIR) program. She was also an active member of Saint Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church, serving as an Elder and a volunteer in the church office. Ann and Bill built their retirement home and moved permanently to their beloved Rolling B Farm in Carriere, Mississippi in 1998. They shared their passion for country living, raising cattle, and enjoying the rolling landscape, natural beauty, and abundant wildlife. Ann and Bill loved to travel to visit their daughter and family in Virginia. She and Bill visited every state and many countries abroad, traveling with family and friends from New Orleans, those they met through the family printing business and childhood friends from Knoxville. As Ann's mobility declined, she often read a book a day and stayed connected with family and friends across the country playing Words with Friends. Always a creature of habit, a favorite part of her week was watching the Mormon Tabernacle Choir on Sunday mornings, followed by brunch and a drive in the country exploring new roads and the beauty surrounding her southern Mississippi home. Nothing made Ann happier than visits from her children and their spouses, grandchildren, and friends, all of whom will treasure the many Ann/Mom/GranAnn stories that were part of what made her such an endearing and beautiful lady. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, September 30, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at the St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church (1545 State Street, New Orleans). A visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. at the church. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Start the Adventure in Reading (STAIR) program (www.stairnola.org) or St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church (www.scapc.org). Memories and condolences may be expressed at www.AudubonFuneralHome.com.