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Lillian Marie Minor Bell, daughter of the late Abie and Arbell Minor, was born on July 14, 1936, in Edward, North Carolina. She was the youngest of twelve children. On Friday, June 13, 2025, Lillian peacefully departed this earthly life and entered eternal rest. Lillian accepted Christ at an early age and began her spiritual journey as a member of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Edward, NC. She and her brother would walk to Sunday school, where she also sang in the church choir. Over the years, she remained devoted to her faith, attending Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church regularly and faithfully returning to her home church every 2nd Sunday. After relocating back to Beaufort County, she frequently visited other churches in the community. She rededicated her life to the Lord and served faithfully on the Usher Board, as treasurer, and as a dedicated volunteer for various programs including the Kitchen Committee, Harvest Day, Women’s Day, and many others, until her health declined. Lillian was a proud graduate of S.W. Snowden High School, Class of 1954, in Aurora, NC, and went on to attend Elizabeth City State University. She later worked with commitment and distinction for 22 years as a Civil Service employee at the Marine Corps Air Station in Cherry Point, NC. She was united in marriage to Mahue Smith, and from this union came four beloved children: Kerry, Tyrone, Jerome, and Lenette. Lillian was a woman of grace, elegance, and creativity. She found joy in cooking—especially her signature seven-layer pineapple coconut cake—sewing, decorating, flower arranging, and tending to her flower garden. A perfectionist by nature, she took special pride in her ironing—everything had to have a crease—and in keeping a spotless home. She had a deep love for scriptures, enjoyed listening to gospel music, and delighted in personal care, from her styled hair, defined make-up and polished nails to her favorite lipstick and perfume. Her show of endearment was often shown by saying, “I love you more” or “I love you to pieces!” Lillian’s wisdom was often shared through memorable sayings: “Don’t take no wooden nickels” (Don’t accept anything that doesn’t add value to your life). “Every closed eye ain’t sleep.” (Things are not always as they appear to be). “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.” (What you have is more valuable than what you might gain). “Actions speak louder than words.” (Believe what people do, not just what they say). On July 21, 1979, she married the love of her life, Donald Rea Bell. Their life together was filled with joy and affection, and she lovingly embraced the nickname “Sassy Mae”—a reflection of her vibrant spirit and outspoken nature. Donald preceded her in death on March 29, 2006. She was preceded in death by her son, Kerry Hue Smith; grandson, Deon King Smith; brothers, Jay Gould, Otis, Napoleon, and Monroe, and sisters, Addie, Madeline, and Ethel Berniece. She leaves to cherish her memories her children, Tyrone Smith of Edward, NC, Jerome Smith of Greenville, NC, and Lenette Chapman (Irvin) of Winterville, NC; 14 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; bonus children, Val and Bruce; bonus grandchildren, Brandon and Kevin; god-daughter, Gail Moore; god-grandson, Christian Moore; a host of nieces and nephews from Beaufort and Pamlico counties; a special friend, Serena Parmely; a cherished daughter-in-love, Cynthia Coffey. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

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Mrs. Lillian Minor Bell

July 14, 1936 - June 13, 2025