Betty F. Bell

Betty Ruth Fulwood Bell, formerly of Adel, Georgia, drew her last breath on Saturday, February 21st, 2026, and was delivered to her Lord and Savior just shy of her 96th birthday. She was born in Adel, Georgia, on March 26th, 1930, to the late Daniel Alva Fulwood and Ada Belle Brown Fulwood. She was a beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great-grandmother living a life in full devotion to her faith.

After graduation from Sparks Adel High School in 1946, she worked as secretary for Wilson B. Wilkes Insurance in Adel; E.I. DuPont, Aiken, SC; and Adel Trading Company. After serving as a stay-at-home mother to their three children, with encouragement from her husband, Betty enrolled at Valdosta State University where she received her Bachelor of Business Education, Master of Education and Six-Year Administration degrees. While teaching business classes at Cook High School, she started the Vocational Office Training (VOT) Program which led her to pursue the position of Vocational Supervisor starting in 1977. She was the second woman named Supervisor in the State of Georgia as well as the first female Assistant Principal at CHS until her retirement in 1988.

Betty was an active member of Adel United Methodist Church and an associate member of Winterville United Methodist Church. In both churches, she served in many capacities including the Administrative Board, The United Methodist Women (UMW) Local President and District President, Young at Heart Coordinator and was an active participant in both church choirs. She loved meeting monthly with “The Birthday Club” to have lunch and celebrate friends’ birthdays at Countryside Catering in Winterville, Georgia. Her heart was the weekly card group that she started 20 years ago upon moving to Athens. These ladies shared many life experiences and much laughter!

Her last office, held at the age of 95 upon her final move, was President of the Avery Village Council, where she represented the residents at the Staff/Client Meetings. In every walk of life, she did her best to change the world around her “for good.” This was never more evident than upon her death, the Avery Village staff poured into her room to say goodbye, share hugs, tears and precious stories of the love she had shared with each one. From her family who never doubted her devotion, to her students at Cook High School, to her beloved church, to Avery Village and beyond, there will be more lights shining brighter in her honor.

The family would like to recognize all the caregivers who were part of her life, but especially Lawanna Day, Renee Gearing and Judy Hicks. Judy was the devoted earthly angel beside her daily for the last 12 years.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 68 years – Simeon “Simmie” Louis Bell, sisters – Jeanette Fulwood Bland and Marjorie Fulwood Dickerson, Son-in-Law Douglas P. Griffin, and Daughter-in-Law, Andrea Stewart Bell.

She is survived by her three children, Karen B. Griffin of Athens, Sybil B. Coody and husband Tim of Appling, and Greg L. Bell of Talmo, Georgia, along with six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren to whom she was our beloved “Mema” along with several nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

The family will receive family and friends Saturday, February 28th from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Winterville United Methodist Church, Winterville, Georgia, with a celebration service to follow at 11:30 AM.

On Sunday, March 1, from 2:00 to 3:00 PM there will be visitation at the Adel Wesleyan Church, Adel, Georgia and graveside service at 3:30 PM at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens on Val Del Road.

In lieu of flowers, gifts to the Building Fund at Winterville Methodist Church or Adel Wesleyan Church would be welcome.

Lord & Stephens East of Athens and Boone Funeral Home of Adel are entrusted with all arrangements.