Sharon Joyce Bell

Sharon Joyce Bell passed away Sunday October 27, 2024. She was a passionate, independent, fiercely loyal, humble, respectful, caring, generous and kind human being. Sharon lead an unassuming, unapologetic and uncluttered life. Born in Birmingham Alabama on June 30,1944, she grew up the youngest of three siblings. Sharon attended at Auburn University earning a bachelors degree in economics with a minor in speech. A scholarship from UT Law School brought her to Knoxville in 1966, where she became one of two women in her graduating class. Post graduation she was an attorney with the UT Legal Clinic until she went into private practice, where she eventually took on former Attorney General Ed Dossett and Norman Jackson as law partners. From 1978-1982, she was a member of the Tennessee House of Representatives, representing the 15th district. In 1982 she was elected Judge of the Knox County General Sessions Court. She made history in 1986, by being elected the first female Chancellor in Tennessee. She served on the bench of Knox County Chancery Court Division III for the the next 20 years, retiring in 2006. Sharon was exceptional in her dedication to the law and to public service. During her career, she served on the board of numerous non-profit organizations and received many awards and accolades in her judicial capacity. She was most honored to receive the YWCA Tribute to Women Award and the Annie Selwyn Award. Sharon’s public service did not end with retirement. She continued to rescue animals. She volunteered delivering food with Grandparents Meals Connect. She provided transportation for folks with CAC and Senior Smiles. Sharon also learned to golf, studied Spanish and spent endless hours designing an English garden around the artificial turf in her back yard. Without question, her family, her animals and her friends were always the focus of her heart. Her greatest joy was her family and all of the children. Her nephews, nieces and greats cherished their Aunt Sharon. Sharon is survived by her sister Cheryl Bell Thompson, nephews Clay Thompson, Jason Thompson, Major Michael Bell, and James Daniel Bell, niece Laura Bell Bishop, great nephews Andrew Thompson, Jason W. Thompson, Quinn Thompson, Carson Bishop, Davis Bishop, and Luke Bell, great nieces Nicole Thompson Kissel, Kinzie Bishop Comer, and Kathrine Dryer Bell, and great-great nieces Poppy Ann and Violet Kim Kissel. Memorial Services will be held at Rose Funeral & Cremation – Mann, 6200 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN on Saturday November 2nd 2024 at 2 pm with family visitation from 1:00 – 2:00 pm. Sharon said “No flowers” Her request was that you make donations to Knox County Humane Society and help the animals. Online condolences may be made at www.rosefuneraltn.com

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Sharon Joyce Bell

June 30, 1944 - October 27, 2024