Ethel Marie McDuffee Bell

Ethel McDuffee Bell, 97, passed away Wednesday, December 4, 2024. She was born July 12, 1927 in Robeson County, TN to the late Charles Burton and Lucy Fitts McDuffee. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Lindsey Bell; son, Jerry Bell, and grandson, Michael Boone Jr. Mother was raised on the Tennessee/Kentucky border. She had a wonderful childhood on the farm surrounded by family, friends, and the farm animals. Throughout her life, she continued to maintain a loving relationship with her family and friends, trying to visit every year. While working in Nashville, TN, she met Charles, the love of her life. Rather than continuing her education, she married, relocated to rural Rocky Mount, and became a wife, homemaker, and Mother. Mother was the longest living member at Oak Level Baptist Church serving in many capacities. She was an honorary charter member of Oak Level Ruritan Club- serving for many years in their community outreach programs. For many years, her home was the gathering spot for the youths of the community. Not only did they enjoy the love, affection, food, along with helping with the farm, they continue to visit until this day. In addition to being a mother and homemaker, she owned and operated, with her husband Charles, a community grocery store, continued to farm, later worked in her husband’s hardware business, and finally worked for Burlington Industries in various capacities. Later in life, Mother enjoyed traveling and maintaining a vast network of friends. Lastly, Mother lived life as a Christian, where her place as been reserved in Heaven. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her son, Dan Bell ( Linda); two daughters, Charlotte Mantiply (Mickey) and Kaye Boone (Michael); grandchildren, Kimberly Walk, Traci Lohr, Travis Mantiply, Patrick Bell, Kristen Coughter, and Lori Boone; great-grandchildren, Alex Walk, Maclean Walk, Presley Walk, Will Lohr, Reagan Lohr, Lindsey Coughter and Allie Coughter; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation with family and friends will be Saturday, December 7, 2024 from 12:00-1:45 pm at Cornerstone Funeral Home with a funeral service to be held at 2:00 pm in the Chapel with Dr. Rick Downing officiating. Burial to follow at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Oak Level Baptist Church.

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Ethel Marie McDuffee Bell

July 12, 1927 - December 4, 2024