Jerelene Smith Bell

Mrs. Jerelene Smith Bell, passed away quietly and peacefully at her home in Gulfport, MS, on December 16, 2016 after a short illness.
Jere was born on May 6, 1931, in Brookhaven, MS to Clyde and Bessie Smith. A graduate of Brookhaven High School, she was a majorette in the Brookhaven band. Her interest in art and photography was peaked when she worked at The Art Gallery in her home town. Later that talent was used as she opened Jere's Frame Shop and Gallery in Gulfport, MS. She made many lasting friends at the shop, as she shared in their lives through the artwork and photos she framed for them.
At Copiah-Lincoln Junior College she met the love of her life, William (Bill) E. Bell.
They were married May 30, 1952 and were married 64 years when Bill passed away. A little over three months later, she was reunited with him in heaven.
Jere was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Gulfport. It was her pleasure to serve as hostess to many delightful meals with her Bible Study group.
Deep friendships were established with this group of ladies.
Jere was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; her parents, Clyde and Bessie Smith; her sisters, Voncille Smith Johnson and Debbie Smith Byrd.
She is survived by her daughters, Margaret Bell Ishee (Wendell) of Ocean Springs, MS, Shannon Bell Hughes (the late Bill Hughes), of Biloxi, MS; son, William ""Bill"" E. Bell, Jr. (Karissa) of Santa Rosa Beach, FL; a sister, Belinda Kay Smith Cartwright (the late Mackrel Cartwright), of Gulfport, MS; She leaves behind seven beloved grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church of Gulfport, January 7, 2017. Visitation will be at 10:00 am, with the service beginning at 10:30am. Interment will be at the Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi, MS at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that memorials be made to the Lottie Moon Mission Fund through the First Baptist Church of Gulfport.
RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 13872 Lemoyne Blvd, Ocean Springs served the family. An online guestbook may be signed, and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com.