Barbara Jean Bell, age 80, passed away on October 4, 2024, at her home in Tumbling Shoals, AR, surrounded by family.  She was born on March 20, 1944, in Earle, Arkansas to the late Ralph and Marine Phillips.

In addition to her parents, Barbara is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 60 years, Stephen Bell; one son, Brian Stephen Bell, of Tumbling Shoals, Arkansas; and one sister, Marolyn Russom, of Tumbling Shoals, Arkansas: 

Barbara is survived by her daughter Stephanie Varghese of Tumbling Shoals and her sisters: Betty Jo Craig of West Memphis, AR, Patricia McGarrity of West Memphis, Kathy Singleton of Tumbling Shoals, and Debbie Phillips of Tumbling Shoals, one daughter-in-law, Dana Bell Blaylock of Collierville, Tennessee and one Son-in-law, Ramsan Varghese of Lawrence, Kansas, three grandchildren: Brian Keith (Sarah Beth) Bell of Bartlett, Tennessee, Brandon Bell of Collierville, TN and Ethan Varghese of Overland Park, Kansas and one great grandchild, Archie Lee Bell.

Barbara meant so much to all who knew her. She was an incredibly strong person and selfless in her generosity towards others. She was always willing to help those who needed her and did so with boundless love and kindness. Barbara loved to work with her hands, garden, landscape, renovate, and paint stain glass. There was no craft project that she did that wasn’t absolutely beautiful. She was very talented. Barbara taught us all so much more than anyone could learn from reading a book or taking a class at a university. Perhaps most impressive is that she did so with just a high school education from Earle, Arkansas. May we all carry these valuable lessons and cherished memories with us out of here today and into the world as we go forward.

The family will receive visitors on Sunday, October 6, 2024, beginning at 1:00 pm at Heber Springs Funeral Home, 1199 Wilburn Road, Heber Springs, AR 72543. A memorial service will begin at 2:00 pm with Chaplain Robert Osborn officiating. All services are under the direction of Wilson Funeral Home, 1323 W. Keiser Ave., Osceola, AR 72370.