Nila Jean Silas Bell, 84, of Batesville, Arkansas went to Heaven to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 28, 2024. She was born October 2, 1939, in Brilliant Alabama to Lorse and Mary Etter Rawls Silas. Jean was a Christian and a member of the Rock Outreach Church. As a child, Jean and her family moved around a lot. Her family settled in Cushman, Arkansas. This is where she met and married her husband of 68 years. They eventually moved to California where they lived until they retired; at which time they moved back home to Batesville, Arkansas.
She loved her family. Being around family gave her the greatest joy. She especially loved spending time with her grandson. They were always together. She has always been the sweetest person with a heart of gold.
She is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Robert Silas, Kenneth Silas and Carroll Silas; and sisters, Mattie Lee Cobb, Edith Cobb, Elsie Harmon and Dean Gunther.
Survivors include her husband Jimmie Bell; daughter, Phyllis Ring; grandson, Erik Goodrich of Batesville; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 4, 2024, at the Rock Outreach Church with her nephew Steve Gunther officiating at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at the Pleasant Valley Cemetery.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the church.
Pallbearers are Roger Gunther, Andy Gunther, Bradie Gunther, Layton Hennings, Chris Grant and Paul VanHorn.
