Vernessie Bell-Russey

A Glimpse Into Her Life Sister Vernessie “Tit” Bell was born August 19, 1928 to John Bell and Mamie Bozeman in Beirne, Arkansas. She accepted Christ at an early age and joined Shady Grove Baptist Church in Beirne, Arkansas. She later joined New Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Gurdon, Arkansas where she was faithful servant and an active member. She served as Mission President, member of the Program Committee, A-Division of the Southwest District Choir, A-Division New Mt. Zion Usher Board, President of the Kitchen and Mother of New Mt. Zion. Vernessie “Tit” was a dedicated and hard worker for the Cabe Lumber Company in Beirne, Arkansas. After the closure of this facility, she was transferred to the International Paper Company where she worked until she retired after more than 40 years of service. Unsettled in retirement, Vernessie decided to return to work, but doing what she loved to do as a Head Cook for the Gurdon Senior Adult Center until her health failed. Vernessie “Tit” was a devoted and loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, aunt, and a faithful and trusted friend. She was preceded in death by her mother, Mamie McFarland and her father John Bell; her infant daughter, Dorothy Nell Golden; her husband, Willie B. Russey; three brothers, J.W. Bell, Elmer Bell and B.J. Wilson; and three sisters, Margree Gatlin, Rosemary Stovall and Katie Wimberly. She leaves to cherish her memories: two sons, Ivory Roberts, Jr. (Deborah) of Hope, Ark., and George Golden (Doris) of DeSoto, TX; one daughter, Willie B. Booker (Doug) of DeSoto, TX; two brothers, Russell Bell (Willie Mae) of Omaha, NE and John Bell (Linda) of Kansas City, KS; three sisters, Gloria Bazzelle, Dorothy Gulley (Vernell), and Marva Weaver all of Gurdon, AR.; four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild; a special nephew, Julian Marks and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and the New Mt. Zion Baptist Church.