The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23

Ruby Wade Bell was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, sister, and a friend to all who knew her. She was called home to be with her Heavenly Father on Friday, December 4, 2020.

She was born on December 10, 1931 in Marshall, Texas to Arthur and Queen Esther Wade, who preceded her in death. She was the youngest of four children. She was a member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church, where she accepted God at an early age and was baptized.

She received her formal education in the Marshall Public School System, but experienced her higher education in life after becoming a wife and mother at an early age. On July 30, 1947, she united in holy matrimony with Jacob C. Bell and to their union, nine children were born. As husband and wife, they worked together faithfully to rear their nine children, and worked side by side to run their farm, raising crops and livestock. She enjoyed gardening, cooking the best meals ever, and spending time with her family and friends, but her greatest enjoyment was reading, which she instilled in her children.

She was preceded in death by one brother, Willie Murray, two sisters, Lenora Davis and Ella Mae Daniels, and three beloved grandchildren, Lisa Chatman, Nigel Bell and Liam Bell.

Mrs. Bell is survived by her husband of 73 years, Jacob C. Bell; nine children, Josephine (Otha), Mattie, Gwendolyn, Sandra, Darrell, Leland (Yolanda), Gabriel (Karen), Jacob, Jr. III of Cedar Hill and Cheryl of Houston; 15 grandchildren, Gwenita, Latrina, Tanya, Shondra, Jacob, Jr. IV, Jessie, Otha, Jr., Jakeima, Akila, Portia, Brittanie, Morgan, Katherine, Gabrielle, and Kennedi; 13 great grandchildren; and 4 great-great grandchildren.