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Joyce Evelyn Bell

February 18, 1943 – July 20, 2019

Joyce was born on Thursday, February 18, 1943 in Beaumont, Texas to Mildred Elouise Jones and Henry Bell, and she passed away on Saturday, July 20, 2019 at 76 years of age at Methodist Hospital in Sugar Land, Texas surrounded by her beloved family and friends.  She attended Adams School and graduated from Charlton Pollard High School in 1960; she was an active and proud member of her class, serving as Treasurer for many years and received an “Outstanding Contributions” award in 2000 at their 40^th reunion.  She went to cosmetology school and earned her license in the 60s, quickly deciding it was not for her.  She oddly maintained her license until at least 1983, because she had certainly not done anyone’s hair other than her girls since the 60s.  Joyce was an employee in the Food Service Department at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital for 39 years, 1969 – 2008, working for 26 years and disabled for 13.  Her health began to decline in her 40s, but she was tough and strong-willed, persisting with grace through many serious health issues.  Nevertheless, based on her stylish appearance and spirit, many never knew the extent of her challenges.

Joyce accepted Christ as her savior at an early age and was baptized at Sunlight Baptist Church. She was also a member of New Light Baptist Church, Starlight Baptist Church, and was a charter member of Cathedral of Faith Baptist Church when it was organized in 1989, serving with the Ushers, Culinary Ministry, Women’s Ministry, Senior Saints, Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She loved the Lord, her family and friends, Pastor Mack and her church family, and was easily moved to happy tears during Pastor Mack’s sermons and the choir’s songs.

For many years, Joyce was an independent, responsible single mother with three children, and her home was filled with love and abundance, her kids always oblivious – in the latest styles and with Christmas trees overflowing – as to how close to the edge they probably were on many occasions.  She could make a dollar out of 15 cents, and was kind, loving, and generous to her family and friends.  She was married to Leon Steven Thompson on November 19, 1979 until his death on March 1, 2008.  Shopping was apparently her favorite hobby, and when her mobility was challenged, the television shopping networks provided a seamless alternative.  She also loved watching the Lifetime channel, mysteries, football, basketball, and tennis – Serena and Venus Williams have lost a huge fan.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents Mildred Elouise Jones and Henry Bell, and her brothers Christopher Bell (Wilma) and Charles W. Rogers, Sr. (Sylvia).  She leaves to mourn her children: Rosalind Kyle (Nathaniel), Donna Woodfork (Dwain), and Donald Bell I (Etta); five sisters: Gwendolyn Jones, Marion Wright, Carolyn Jones, Delia Bell-Kyle, and Laura Jewel Curtis; two brothers: Kevin Bell (Geralyn), and Thomas Bell (Kimberly); three granddaughters: Shayla Faustin (Adler), Jasmine Hammonds, and DeShaun Bell; two grandsons: Donald Bell II (Cher’lon), and Myles Woodfork; three great-grandsons: Rakin Akmal, Gregory Akmal, and Gae’tan Faustin; one great-granddaughter, Nori Bell, and a host of relatives and friends.