Frances Jackson Bell

Frances Jackson Bell, aged 95, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, October 19, 2024.  She was born February 7, 1929 in Grifton, NC to William Henry and Maude Dawson Jackson.  The family moved to Hemp in 1938 and Frances attended Robbins Graded School and graduated from Elise High School in 1945.  While in high school, she played basketball all four years and was the editor of the newspaper, The Hilltop.  Frances was also editor of the yearbook, Elysian Hilltop.

Frances graduated from Woman’s College in Greensboro in May 1949. She married Howard Redfern Bell on June 29, 1949.

At the age of 20 Frances began teaching at Elise High School. She stopped teaching in 1952 to become a stay-at-home mom, with the exception of one year, when she taught fourth grade at Robbins Graded School.

While at home with her children Frances worked on her master’s degree.  She received a Master of Education from UNCG in June 1958.

Frances returned to teaching Business Education at Elise High School in 1963 and taught there until North Moore High School opened in 1965.  She taught at North Moore High School from 1965 – 1989. She organized the first Future Business Leaders of America at North Moore High School in 1973 and was the Advisor until she retired in 1989. The club received many awards and traveled to many states for regional and state conventions.

Frances was the Triumvira yearbook Advisor from 1971 – 1977.  The yearbook was entered in national competition and always received excellent ratings.  She accompanied the students to Columbia University in New York City each year and also to UNC Chapel Hill for workshops.

Frances was very proud of her students and enjoyed working with them and the excellent staff at North Moore High School.

She was Moore County Schools Outstanding Vocational Education Teacher of the Year in 1988-1989.

Frances was very active at Tabernacle United Methodist Church from the time she joined in 1939. She served as pianist, sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, was Secretary of the Board, Financial Secretary, and was church Treasurer for 10 years. Frances was active in bible study and held many offices in the United Methodist Women including Circle Chairman, Vice President, and President.

Frances was also involved with the Robbins Area Library Committee and served as Secretary for over 15 years.

Following retirement Frances enjoyed traveling with Howard across the United States and to other countries. She was an avid reader.  

Frances was the heart and soul of the family. Her love for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren was evident.  She loved spending time with her family.  Family gatherings and seeing everyone together was her greatest joy.  She was always an encourager and friend to all who knew her.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Howard Redfern Bell; sisters, Doris Worthington, Willie B. Patrick, Barbara Bell, Henrietta Allred; brothers, Roy Jackson and Evan Jackson; son-in-law, David L. Wilson.

Those left to cherish her memory are son, William David (Rachel) Bell of Fuquay-Varina, NC; daughters, Jo Wilson of Milton, NC and Elizabeth (Phillip) Boles of Robbins, NC. Grandchildren: Matthew (Maria) Wilson, Micah (Heidi) Wilson, Joseph (Sara) Wilson, Jonathan Wilson, Jennifer (Cory) Griffin, William (Amy) Bell, Jr., Katherine (Kevin) Wilder, Dr. Adam (Ashley) Boles and Sandy (Andrew) Rogers; 25 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank First Health Hospice for the wonderful care given to our mother. We also thank special caregivers: Tammy, Cindy, Sharon and Hailee for your kindness and compassion.

There will be visitation on Thursday, October 24, 2024 from 4pm to 6pm at Kennedy Funeral Home, 241 N. Middleton St., Robbins, NC.  Funeral services will be held Friday, October 25, 2024 at 3pm with graveside services immediately following at Tabernacle United Methodist Church, 251 NC 705, Robbins, NC.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to FirstHealth Hospice1 or to the Frances Bell Scholarship2 for North Moore High School students seeking a business degree.

1FirstHealth Hospice, 150 Applecross Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374

2 Checks should be written to “N.C. Community Foundation” with “Frances Bell Scholarship” in the memo line. Address is Frances Bell Scholarship, c/o N.C. Community Foundation, 3737 Glenwood Ave, Suite 460, Raleigh, NC 27612