Sandra H. Bell

On Thursday, July 28, 2022 Sandra Hudson Bell died after being exposed to COVID-19 at Little Creek Sanatorium. She had been a resident at the facility since September, 2020. Sandra Elaine Hudson was born on March 12, 1940, in Frankford, Delaware. She grew up on a large working farm surrounded by a tight-knit extended family. Her brother Bruce recalled, “Mother and Daddy always put family first. They were the two most altruistic people I’ve ever known, and Sandra followed in their footsteps. Love of family always came first.” She met James W. Bell in Wilmington, Delaware. After they married, they lived briefly in Louisiana, Missouri, before settling in Knoxville, Tennessee. On July 8, they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Sandra will be remembered as a quiet leader with the heart of a servant. Bearden United Methodist Church was her second home, where she helped to organize Wednesday night suppers, rummage sales and bazaars, vacation bible school, and countless other events and gatherings. One friend noted, “I doubt she ever said no when asked to lead or chair an event. Her leadership was firm but quiet. She never needed recognition for the service(s) she so unselfishly volunteered. She was always humble, gracious, and most of all, effective in her role as a leader.” She volunteered in the guidance counselor’s office at Bearden High School, where students referred to her affectionately as Ma Bell. She was active for many years in the Knoxville Bar Auxiliary. As someone who cared deeply about families and children, she found her true calling as a volunteer with CASA of East Tennessee (Court-Appointed Special Advocates). Sandra lived her best life organizing and presiding over projects and events. One daughter’s favorite nickname for her was Julie McCoy, the “cruise director.” Sandra will be remembered as a consummate friend. Her loyalty to and sincere interest in and concern for people culminated in a large social network of friends of all ages. Her friendships were deep and abiding, spanning decades. She loved catching up on what everyone was doing, and Ma Bell knew how to work the phones! Another friend observed, “If you were out with Sandra and she ran into someone she knew, you may as well sit down or even take a nap, because she was going to visit for a while.” She didn’t know a stranger, and she was never shy about asking for something that she wanted, whether it be a souvenir glass from a German hotel bar or a scholarship for one of her children. She was persistent, courageous, hospitable, and generous. If you showed up at her house, you had better show up hungry. She claimed that her Chex Mix recipe came off the side of the cereal box, but no one has ever replicated her version of it. Her friends agree, “She was a servant leader but her first service was always to her family, immediate and extended.” Ma Bell was an accepting host who made a home for all in her heart. She is preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Gertrude Hudson, and sister Lavessa Hudson Mitchell. She is survived by her husband, James (Jim) W. Bell; children, Susan Bell Riordon, Stacy Bell McQuaide (Michael M. McQuaide), Shannon Bell (Christopher White), Jennifer Bell (Joey Hall), Amanda Bell Madson (Andy Madson); grandchildren Emilie, William, Margaret, and Luke; brother, Bruce Hudson; nieces and nephews, Kimberly Blake, Kevin Mitchell, Keith Mitchell, Kelly Ward, Tyler Hudson, and Spencer Hudson. A Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, August 27, at 2:30 pm at Bearden United Methodist Church, with a reception to follow, and all are invited to join the family in remembering Sandra. Private Interment is at East Tennessee State Veteran's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to CASA of East Tennessee (casaofeasttn.org, 865-329-3399). Online condolences may be made at rosefuneraltn.com.

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Sandra H. Bell

March 12, 1940 - July 28, 2022