September 9, 2025, 79, Goldsboro —-
Betty Jean Bell, age 79, of Dudley, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 surrounded by her loving family.
Born on December 21, 1945 in Fremont, North Carolina, Betty was the daughter of the late Betty Lou Gooch and James Alston. She was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother – titles she carried with joy and honor. Nothing lit up her world more than being with her family, whether she was cooking a big dinner, spending time in the sunroom, or watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow.
Betty had a heart that never stopped giving. She could make a meal out of nothing, grow beauty from the soil of her garden, and brighten a room just by walking in. She was happiest when serving others—whether in her community or kitchen—and she gave of herself freely, without ever expecting anything in return.
She is survived by her daughters, Pamala (Keith) Jones of Pikeville, Deania (Ron) Samuels of Winston-Salem and Antoinette Bass of Goldsboro; her sisters, Brenda (Gary) Neely of Ocala, Florida, Jackie (Walter) Dailey of Dayton, Ohio, Sandra Dixon of Dayton, Ohio, and Brigette (Clifton) Carter of Dayton, Ohio; her brothers, George (Wendy) Austin of the United Kingdom, Reuben (Anne) Gooch of Australia, and Ricky (Denise) Gooch of Dayton, Ohio; brothers-in-law, Morris (Rosanna) Bell and Larry Bell of West Palm Beach, Florida; and sisters-in-law: Gertha Dean Bell of Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Brenda (Clement) Duru of Miami, Florida. She is also survived by her five grandchildren, Brandon (Michelle) Bell, Tiffany Davis of Fayetteville, Nikita Bell of Raleigh, Brittany (Marcus) Reed of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Brodrick (Ocea) Bell of Reidsville; nine great-grandchildren, Michael, Beyla, James V, Taliyah, Brodrick Jr., Brandon Jr., Braylen, Jordyn, and Jaimi, her fur baby, Arya Renee Bell, along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Franklin Bell, Sr.; her sons, James Franklin Bell, Jr., and James Franklin Bell, III; her grandson, James Franklin Bell, IV; her sisters, Beverly Edwards and Julia (Shelton) Bryant and her brother, Andrew Gooch.
Betty will be remembered for her love and the kindness she extended to everyone she met. Her legacy will live on through her family and the many lives she touched.
Funeral service will be held Monday, September 22, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro. Interment will follow at Wayne Memorial Park in Dudley. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at the funeral home.
Professional services entrusted to the care of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.
