Mrs. Josie Mae Bell

Josie Mae Bell was born to Joseph Gauthier and Clara Offord in Washington, Louisiana on April 8, 1924. From a young age, Josie Mae enjoyed singing, dancing, gardening and fishing. Because of some of her tomboy-ish ways, she was nicknamed “Boy”. Josie Mae was small but mighty! She completed her formal education in Washington, LA, graduating from Washington High School in St. Landry Parish. Josie Mae indeed loved The Lord. She was a dedicated member of Emma Zion Baptist Church in Washington, Louisiana. It was here where she was baptized at the age of 12 by Reverend Ed Redeaux. Her unwavering faith carried her throughout her many years and she ensured she instilled it in all those around her. Josie Mae married Leo Bell, Jr. on September 5, 1946 and from that union they were blessed with four children - Arthur Louis, Joseph Edward, Donald Ray and Brenda Faye Bell. She and her husband moved their family to Houston, Texas in 1962 to start a new life. She was devoted to caring for her family while her husband went to work. She found joy in selling “cool cups” to all of the children in Calhoun Court (Third Ward). Her love for the Houston Rockets (and Calvin Murphy) became unmatched, so much so she would receive recognition from the team on a couple of her birthdays. Josie Mae was preceded in death by her parents Joseph Gauthier and Clara Offord, her husband Leo Bell, Jr., her five brothers Matthew Gauthier, Simon Offord, Eddie Gauthier, Herman Offord and Charles Gauthier, her two sisters Dorothy Snell and Rosa Jones, and two children Donald Ray Bell and Brenda Faye Bell-Francis. She leaves to mourn her passing two sons Arthur Louis (Hellaine) and Joseph Edward Bell, twelve grandchildren, twenty-six great-grandchildren, eight great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Josie Mae was blessed with a beautiful life of 100 years. If you ever had the privilege of meeting her, there is no doubt she told you she loved you. She will always be remembered for her loving kindness. May her sweet soul rest in the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. A celebration of life will be held at 12:00 PM Saturday, November 9, 2024 at Williams Funeral Home in Opelousas, LA. Visiting hour will be observed from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Saturday, November 9, 2024 at Williams Funeral Home. Interment will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery in Washington, LA. Rev. Joseph Jones will officiate at the services. Share words of comfort with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.net Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Williams Funeral Home of Opelousas, 337-942-2037.

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Mrs. Josie Mae Bell

April 8, 1924 - October 30, 2024