January 1, 2026, 87, Mount Olive – Betty Alice Hart Bell Renn, age 87, passed away shortly after midnight on January 1, 2026, at Somerset Court in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Born in Wayne County to the late Lyndon Hobbs Hart and Olive Crow, Betty was a beloved figure in her community.
Ms. Betty was a retired schoolteacher with the Wayne County Public School System. Betty passionately served as the longtime music director at Rhodes Friends Meeting, where her love for music touched the lives of many.
Betty’s greatest joy came from spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She cherished every moment with them, creating lasting memories that will be treasured for generations. An avid lover of music, she found peace in melodies and enjoyed engaging in crossword puzzles. In her leisure time, Betty also loved watching classic shows on MeTV.
A celebration of her life will be held on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 2 PM at Wayne Memorial Park in Dudley, North Carolina. Friends and family are invited to gather for a brief service at the cemetery to honor her memory.
Betty is survived by her children: James (Jay) Blaine Bell Jr. and his wife, Shiela; Lynne Bell Pearce; and Margaret Bell Thompson and her husband, Jody. She leaves behind a legacy of love through her grandchildren: Joseph M. Pearce and wife Katy, James F. Bell and his wife, Shelby, Smithfield, Elizabeth M. Pearce, T.J. Edwards and his wife, Brittany of Dudley, and Billy Edwards of Zebulon, along with great-grandchildren Cameron A. Miller, Hunter J. Pearce, Nicholas L. Miller, Lily F. Edwards, Easton C. Heath, Carly J. Pearce, Emma S. Edwards, and Elliot F. Bell.
In addition to her parents Ms. Betty was preceded in death by her brothers: Lyndon H. Hart Jr., Needham H. Hart, Barry T. Hart, Rhesa C. Hart, And Dwight Hart. Betty was preceded in death by her husbands, James B. Bell and James H. Renn, one granddaughter, Mamie Katlyn Bell.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Somerset Court ALS and the staff of Gentiva Hospice for their exceptional care and compassion during her final days with us,
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Ronald McDonald House, St. Jude Hospital or Shriners Hospital for Children.
Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home and Crematory in Goldsboro is honored to be serving the Bell family.
Betty’s spirit and love will continue to inspire all who knew her.
