Dora Lee Arnold Bell Nowells

Mrs. Dora Lee Arnold Bell Nowells was born to Mr. Asberry and Mrs. Maybell “Dink” Arnold in Statham, Georgia on August 24, 1916. She was the third born of twelve children. Mrs. Dora spent many days working on the farm at “The Old Home Place”, going to her grandfather’s store, and assisting in the rearing of her younger brothers and sisters.

Mrs. Dora accepted Christ as Savior,  joined and was baptized at Fairfield Baptist Church , Statham Georgia. She attended school at Fairfield Baptist Church and completed the eighth grade with scholastic honors. Her academic intelligence was held in high regard as she was appointed as a teacher for younger children at the school. She was given the opportunity to further matriculate and attend college in Athens, Ga., but she chose to stay home and help take care of the family instead.

At 21 years of age, Mrs. Dora met and married Mr. Garfield Bell. They spent many years in Statham, and after the Gainesville Tornado of 1936, they moved their then small family to Gainesville, Ga. To their union were born, Mrs. Mamie Bell Young, Rev. Verlyn Bell, Mr. Robert Lee Bell, Mr. Frank Bell, and Min. Marilyn Bell Dixon.

Mrs. Dora worked for the Harben Family, as well as being an avid member of her church and various community organizations. Mrs. Dora worked for the Harben Family for 37 years and developed a very close relationship them. Mrs. Dora was an active member of Fairfield Missionary Baptist Church. She served in leadership positions with the Sunday School,  Missionary Society, Deacon’s Wives, and Hospitality Committee. She also held leadership position in the Greater Northwestern Baptist Association with The Deacon’s Wives. She was an active member of the Zeta Phi Lamda-- Christian Women’s Sorority and worked to raise awareness of Sickle Cell Anemia and participated in many fundraising activities for this cause. She also was a member of the Labor and Aid Lodge—helping those in need in her surrounding community. Mrs. Dora also volunteered for the Girl’s Club of Gainesville, Ga. in the 1980s and taught many young girls how to sew. Mrs. Dora was well known in the Barrow County and Hall County communities for her community involvement, care and love as a devoted missionary, special friend to many, and everybody’s Mema.

In 1987, Mrs. Dora married Dea. Cornelius Nowells. The spent many happy years together working in the church, travelling on family vacations, and spending dedicated time with their family. During this time, Mrs. Dora had become caregiver for her mother, and did so for several years, along with her sisters.

On August 24, 2019; God blessed her to see 103 years of life surrounded by her dearest family and friends. On Sunday, September 1, 2019, in the early hours of the morning, Mrs. Dora fought the good fight of faith and finished her course. She went home to be with her Lord and received her freedom to dwell in the everlasting life He gives. Mrs. Dora’s love and dedication to God, her family, her church, and her friends will be remembered and cherished as a legacy to generations to come.

Mother Dora Lee Arnold Bell Nowells is preceded in death by her father, Mr. Asberry Arnold; Mother Mrs. Maybell ‘Dink” Arnold,  Husband Dea. Garfield Bell, Dea. Cornelius Nowells Siblings: Miss Ida Maude Arnold, Mr. Richard Arnold, Mrs. Lunnie Stroud, Mr. Theotis “Pete” Arnold, Mrs. Eula Mae Snow, Mr. Robert Arnold, Mr. Curtis Arnold and Mrs. Susie Mayweather Harris.  Children:  Rev. Verlyn C. Bell, Mr. Robert Lee Bell and Mrs. Mamie L. Young. Grandsons:  Mr. Frankie C. Young and Mr. Christopher D. Bell.

She leaves to cherish her memories son Mr. Frank (Ella Mae) Bell, Savannah, Ga., daughter Min. Marilyn Dixon. Braselton, Ga. Sisters:  Mrs. Paris Mayweather Conyers, Ga. , Mrs. Hazel Mack, Middletown, Ohio and Mrs. Annie Ruth McCoy, Cleveland, Ohio. 15 Grandchildren, 33 Great Grandchildren, 10 Great Great Grandchildren, 7 Great Great Great Grandchildren.  A host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, Relatives and Friends.

Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2019 at Antioch Baptist Church, 1010 Mill Street, Gainesville, GA 30501 at 11:00 AM.  Visitation will be held on Friday, September 6, 2019 between the hours of 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Fairfield Missionary Baptist Church, 2141 GA-82, Statham, GA 30666. Repast for the family will be immediately following funeral service at Antioch Baptist Church, 1010 Mill Street, Gainesville, GA 30501.  Interment will be held immediately following the repast located at Fairfield Missionary Baptist Church Statham, GA.  Professional Services Entrusted to Wimberly Funeral Home.