Dorothy Oatley Bell, 84, passed away surrounded by family in the early morning hours of Sunday, Oct. 9. Born on Dec. 18, 1931, in Atlanta, she was affectionately known to people as “Dot” – a nickname given to her by her parents John and Martha Oatley as the youngest and last child, period, the end.
Dot was married to the late Dr. Wade Hampton Bell Jr., a Presbyterian minister. Together, they served many communities and attended to the needs of countless people. Jackson Presbyterian Church in Jackson, Ga., Midway Presbyterian Church in Decatur, Ga., and First Presbyterian Church in Valdosta, Ga., as well as two in Panama City, Wallace Memorial Presbyterian and Grace Presbyterian Church, benefited from Dot and Wade's service and felt blessed to have them as part of their community, where Wade was pastor. In addition, many children benefited from Dot's preschool teaching, which instilled a love of reading and learning. Dot and Wade enjoyed retirement together in the mountains of north Georgia until Wade's death in 2002.
Dot relocated to Fernandina Beach in 2004. She became an active member of First Presbyterian Church and became involved in numerous local organizations. Dot was an avid bridge player, a great cook, a world traveler and enjoyed the company of her many friends. Dot loved life and met everyone with a ready smile.
However, her greatest pleasure came from being with family. This was especially true during holidays, when Dot decorated her home to embrace the full feeling of every season.
She is survived by her sister, Jane Hynds and husband Jody; son, Wade H. Bell III and wife Pam of Fernandina Beach; daughter, Dr. Martie Bell and husband Harry Warren of Thomasville, N.C.; grandchildren, Kirsten Campbell and husband Rob, Jensen Bell and wife Emily, Stevn Bell and wife Jenni, Katrin Bell, Dianna Bell and Gavin Bell; great-grandchildren Maddy Campbell, Sady Campbell and Emma Kate Bell; as well as a niece and nephews and their families.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Wade H. Bell Jr.; her son, John S. Bell; and sisters, Martha Oatley, Mary Hill Stanford and her husband, James Stanford.
A graveside service and visitation will be held at Yonah Memorial Gardens, Demorest, Ga., at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16. A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, Fernandina Beach, at 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in remembrance of Dot Bell to First Presbyterian Church of Fernandina Beach.