Janice Bell

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Janice Marie Smithey Bell, who left us on January 29, 2025, at age 78. A woman of unwavering faith, boundless love, and extraordinary service, she touched the lives of all who knew her.

Born on December 4th, 1946, Janice was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was the loving partner of her husband, James Dewitt Bell, Jr., throughout their 61 years together, including their many years of supporting his career in the U.S. Air Force, often relocating across the country and abroad. Through it all, Janice remained a steadfast source of support for her family, faith, and community.

Perhaps her greatest legacy lies in her lifelong commitment to fostering children. For many years, she opened her heart and home to over 280 children, offering them love, stability, and care when they needed it most. Her compassion for children extended beyond her role as a foster mother—she was also a beloved Sunday school teacher and nursery worker at First Baptist Church in Aransas Pass, Texas, where she inspired countless young lives with her warmth, guidance, and faith.

Beyond her family and ministry, Janice was passionate about life's simple joys. She found peace and fulfillment in her garden, where she nurtured both plants and friendships, and in the kitchen, where her meals were a comforting reminder of her love for others. She also found joy in the hunt for hidden treasures at secondhand stores, always on the lookout for a good bargain and a unique find.

Janice leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and kindness that will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing her. She is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, and countless friends who will remember her for her selflessness, faith, and the indelible mark she made on their hearts.

A service to honor her life will be held at First Baptist Church Aransas Pass on February 5, 2025, at 10:00 AM, followed by a graveside service at Prairie View Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Charlie Marshall Funeral Home in Aransas Pass, Texas.

Janice’s life may have been one of quiet humility, but her impact was immeasurable. She was a living testament to the power of love, faith, and service. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those she touched.