Minnie Catherine "Cathy" Bell

Minnie Catherine “Cathy” Bell, 70, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, November 23, 2024, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. 

Cathy was born on July 26, 1954 in Laurens, SC, to the late Llewellyn and Frances Patton Turner. She graduated from Ford High School in 1972, where she enjoyed participating in the band. Cathy went on to attend Presbyterian College, earning her Bachelor of Science degree, and later received her master’s in education from Clemson University.

She attended Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church her entire life, and often visited at Rock Bridge Presbyterian Church. 

Cathy had a love of animals and adored all of her pets, including Chico, Lucille, Abu, Sam, Barney, Homey, Shadow, Bear and Dabo. She was a devoted supporter and avid Clemson Tigers fan.

Cathy met her husband, Barry Bell while on a double date and they were inseparable from that day on. They were married on August 18, 1974, and made their home in Clinton. 

Cathy’s most joyous and rewarding job was teaching special education students in school district 56 in Laurens County. She loved and enjoyed her vocation and encouraged and invested in each and every child as if they were her own.

Cathy is survived and will be deeply missed by her husband of 50 years, Barry; her brother, ED (Jackie) Turner of Laurens; brother-in-law, Johnny (Judy) Bell of Clinton; her cousin, Linda Putnam (Al) of Laurens; her aunt, Faye Bell of Clinton; she is also survived by many nieces and nephews, extended family members and friends she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother, father and mother-in-law, John Carl and Edna Bell. 

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Hospice of Laurens County for their care and support during this difficult time. 

Funeral Services will be held 2:00 PM, Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at Rock Bridge Presbyterian Church with Rev. Sanders Reid officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will greet visitors prior to the service from 1:00-2:00 PM at the Church. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Rock Bridge Presbyterian Church Cemetery Fund, C/O Velma Faulkner, 3814 Milam Road, Clinton, SC 29325, Hospice of Laurens County, PO Box 178, Clinton, SC 29325, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or an animal rescue of one’s choice. 

Gray Funeral Home of Clinton is assisting the Bell family with services.