Funeral Services for Vanita Martin Bell, age 95, long time resident of Brownwood will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday July 21, 2010 at the Davis Morris Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Don Scroggs officiating, interment to follow in Greenleaf Cemetery under the direction of Davis Morris Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 6-8 pm Tuesday evening at the funeral home. Mrs. Bell passed away Saturday July 17, 2010 in Brownwood.
Vanita was born September 21, 1914 in Lometa, Tx to George W. and Mary (Barkley) Yates. She graduated from Brownwood High School and then Howard Payne University in 1935, and she later earned a Master’s Degree from Hardin Simmons University. Vanita was a teacher and had taught 28 years in the Brownwood School System before retiring in 1976. She had previously taught in the Brady and Rockwood School Systems, and many of her most treasured friends were former students. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Brownwood, and a 65 year member of the Order of the Eastern Star having served as both Worthy Matron, and District Deputy Grand Worthy Matron. She was also a member of the DAR and the Texas Retired Teachers Association.Vanita was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She is survived by her son, W. Pat O’Bryan and his long time partner, Wanda Russell of Zephyr; granddaughter, Katharine Smith of Copperas Cove, Tx; grandson Joel O’Bryan and wife Terri of Northborough Ma.; and great grandson, Rowan Smith of Copperas Cove.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband R.H. (Bob) Bell, her brother Leslie Yates; and a grandson Danny O’Bryan.
The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Chris Stephens and the entire staff of Oak Ridge Manor for their loving and passionate care. In Lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church memorial fund or charity of choice.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.davismorrisfuneralhome.com
Davis-Morris Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
