Betty Ann Bell was born on May 8, 1937, in Birmingham, Alabama to the late Osie Jones, Sr. and the late Mary Benton. She departed this life on Monday, November 27, 2017 in Hazel Crest, Illinois.

Betty completed her high school education and worked briefly as a housekeeper and later as a telephone switchboard operator with Illinois Bell Telephone Company.  She was a member of Pilgrim Baptist Church in Rockford, Illinois for many years and participated in various church auxiliary organizations including the Lydians.  She also served as a Sunday School teacher and in various volunteer roles at the elementary school attended by her children.

Betty was well known for her fashion sense and style.  She enjoyed shopping and dressing her best.  On occasion, she modeled in community events.  

Her sense of style also carried over to her home decorating skills.  In her earlier years, she enjoyed an active social life and hosted many gatherings at her home with friends and family.  She was an excellent cook and homemaker, and she easily managed the tasks of caring for her children.

Betty was preceded in death by her brother, Osie Jones, Jr. and son, Victor A. Bell.

Betty was married to Victory Bell and from that union, there were four children.  She is survived by three of her children, Jeffrey Bell (Sarah) of Nashville, Tennessee; Gregory Bell (Karen) of Houston, Texas; Michele (Bell) Croswell (Donald) of Hazel Crest, Illinois; sisters, Joanne Reese of Atlanta, Georgia and Rosalind Taylor of Los Angeles, California; brother, Phillip Jones of Los Angeles, California; four grandchildren:  Erica Bell, Rodney McCalister, Armani McCalister, and Erin Bell; five great-grandchildren; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.  

The family extends special thanks to Pine Crest Health Care for their care and concern.

Memorial contributions may be mailed to The Cancer Support Center at 2028 Elm Road, Homewood, IL 60430 or paid directly via a credit card at www.cancersupportcenter.org.  Press the red "Donate Now" button at the top right-hand side of the page and indicate that the gift is in memory of Betty Bell.

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