Sara Frances (McCalla) Bell

Mrs. Sara Frances McCalla Bell transitioned from rest to reward on February 19, 2023. She was born on April 16, 1928, in Heardmont, Georgia (Elbert County) to the late John Carlton and Sarah Frances McCalla. She was the sixth of six children and leaves to mourn her passing one sister, Mrs. Leila Bell. She was preceded in death by her parents and her four siblings: John Henry McCalla, J. C. McCalla, Addie Mae Smith Cue and Janie Lee Smith Bone.
She accepted Christ at an early age and joined Bethel Grove Baptist Church where she was active in her church and the community. She served in several capacities in the church: Missionary Ministry, Freewill Missionary Baptist Association and the senior choir, to name a few. In 2020 she was  recognized as the oldest living member of Bethel Grove Baptist Church. Additionally, she was active with her late husband Deacon Willie Eddie Bell at New Dove Creek Baptist Church where she enjoyed singing in the choir and working tirelessly sponsoring programs with the youth department.

Mrs. Bell was a graduate of Elbert County Colored High School where she was an excellent student and an outstanding basketball player. After graduation, she attended Paine College for two years, and returned to Elberton where she taught students in the Sweet City Community School. She later became employed for many years in the manufacturing industry. She subsequently returned to the Elbert County School System as a paraprofessional for specials needs students from where she retired. Her hobbies included sewing, gardening, canning/preserving her fruits and vegetables and making her delicious cobblers until her health started to decline.

Mrs. Bell was married for 62 wonderful years to the late Deacon Willie Eddie Bell. She leaves to celebrate her life and legacy, her daughters: Lavonne Bell Allen (Ray) of Ellenwood, GA; Kasandra Bell Bonaparte of Stone Mountain, GA; sister Leila Bell (Pilot deceased) of Philadelphia, PA; grandchildren: Dejon (Brittney) and Deneige Bonaparte and great-grandchildren: Christian, Kingston, Khloe, Patience and a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins, friends and a special nephew Donald McCalla who has always been by her side.

Her family is also thankful and wishes to recognize caring neighbors, Cedric Alexander and Stefan Dubose. Others who were instrumental in this journey are: Garland Earnest, Barbara Burton, Cherrelle Long, Christine Heard, Kindred Hospice, Traditions Health and Rehab Staff/Affinis Hospice and many others.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 24, 2023, at 12:00 - 5:00pm, located at Mack's Funeral Home - Elberton Chapel. The family will receive friends from 3:00-5:00pm. 

Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at 12:00pm, located at New Dove Creek Baptist Church. 

Interment will follow the funeral service at New Dove Creek Baptist Church. 

Mack’s Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Elberton Chapel.  www.macksfuneralhome.com. (706) 283-4566.

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