Wilma E. Bell's Obituary
Decatur – Wilma E. Bell, 86, of St. Petersburg, Florida, formerly of Decatur, Illinois, passed away at home on Thursday, December 1, 2016.
Wilma Eileen (Mizeur) Bell was born in 1930, in Decatur, IL, to William and Elizabeth Mizeur. She attended St. Patrick’s School in Decatur for several years and then graduated from Argenta-Oreana High School. Wilma graduated from St. Elizabeth Hospital School of Nursing, in Granite City, Illinois and worked for decades as a Registered Nurse (RN) at St. Mary’s Hospital in Decatur. Wilma married Charles Bell in 1958 and was married to Charlie for 55 years before his passing in 2013. Wilma was a very devout, faithful Catholic and a long-time member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Decatur, where she also did volunteer work.
Wilma was loved in the many roles she humbly and proudly filled – wife, mother, grandma, sister, daughter, aunt, baby-sitter, neighbor, and friend. Wilma was the proud mother of three boys; role model sister to three siblings; and admired aunt by numerous nieces and nephews. She was looked up to and truly loved by her family and friends. Wilma lived in Decatur until she moved to Florida in 2014.
Wilma is survived by sons Patrick Bell (wife Fernanda, who was Wilma’s compassionate caregiver) of St. Petersburg, FL and Philip Bell (girlfriend Barbara) of Chandler, AZ. Wima is also survived by sisters Mary Deck (husband Will) of CA, Kate Gipson (husband Ron) of OR, and Teresa Seitz of Decatur. She is survived by sisters-in-law Juanita Peterson (husband Jim) of Decatur and Theresa Bell of Decatur. Wilma is survived by brothers-in-law Bill Bell (wife Yvette) of FL and Jerome Bell (wife Linda) of Maroa. She is survived by cousin Gene Huttes (wife Rosemary) of Pana. Wilma is also survived by granddaughter Anna Cain (boyfriend Adam) of St. Petersburg, FL; great-grandson Sam; step granddaughter Luanna; step great-granddaughters Maria and Nicolle; and numerous caring nieces and nephews.
Wilma was preceded in death by her parents; husband Charlie; youngest son Timothy; brothers-in-law Chuck Seitz and Bob Bell; nephew Jimmy Peterson; nieces Lynnie Dixon and Marla Brewer; and great-nephew Michael McMillion.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 AM Wednesday June 21, 2017 in St. Patrick Catholic Church with Rev. John Burnette as Celebrant. Visitation will be 9:30 AM – 10 AM Wednesday in the church. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Pana, IL. Donations may be made to St. Patrick’s School; Alzheimer’s Association; or charity of your choice. Arrangements are being handled by Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Ave. Decatur, IL. Please view the online obituary, send condolences, and share memories at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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