Florastein Bell

BELL, Florastein
Passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, February 22, 2004 at the age of 99. She was born on December 6, 1904 in Natitoches Parish, Louisiana to Nelson and Susanna Nash. She attended schools in the Parish, and later moved to Texarkana, Texas where she met and married the Rev. W.O. Bell in 1926. The couple relocated to Denison, Texas where he was the pastor of the Mt. Olive Baptist Church. Mrs. Bell was very active in her church community, serving as Sunday School teacher, Baptist Training Union leader and member of the choir. After the passing of her husband in 1943, Mrs. Bell supported her five children by working as a home laundress, finally becoming employed as a school custodian. She came to live in Sacramento in 1968, joining members of her family. She continued her work as a Sunday School teacher as a member of the New Home Baptist Church. She then joined the New Hope Baptist Church in 1974, and remained a loyal member until her passing. Mrs. Bell is survived by one son, Charles Bell of San Diego, and three daughters, Precious Craft and Gladys Bell of Sacramento, and Grace Tutt of Detroit, Michigan. One daughter, Susie Myers, preceded her in death. 13 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren also survive her. Friends are welcome for visitation at Thompson's Funeral Home on Friday, February 27 from 1:00 to 6:00 P.M., and at funeral services on Saturday, February 28 11:00 A.M., at New Hope Baptist Church, 3700 - 32nd St.