Lou Ann Bell

Lou Ann Bell, 90, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Born June 4, 1935 in Sampson County, NC, she was the daughter of John Thadous and Katie Hare Daw. 

Lou Ann lived a life defined by dedication, faith, and a competitive spirit that never left her. As a young woman, she played on her Piney Grove High School women's basketball team during an era when girls were only allowed to play half-court basketball, a challenge she embraced with determination and enthusiasm. After graduation, she pursued her calling in healthcare by attending nursing school and becoming a Registered Nurse from High Point Memorial Hospital, School of Nursing in 1956. 

For more than 55 years, Lou Ann devoted herself to caring for others through her work in hospitals and physicians' offices. In the Angier community, she was especially well known and fondly remembered as Dr. Wilson's and Dr. Chen's nurse, a role she faithfully served for many years. Her compassion, professionalism, and genuine concern for her patients left a lasting impact on countless lives. 

Following retirement, Lou Ann remained in the area she loved, continuing to enjoy the simple pleasures that brought her happiness. She was a talented pianist who found joy in music, using her gift both for personal enjoyment and in service to her church. She also sang in the choir, expressing her deep faith through worship and fellowship. 

Lou Ann never lost her competitive nature. She loved playing bingo, but even more than playing, she enjoyed winning. She enjoyed picture puzzles and completing mathematical and word puzzles to keep her mind sharp. She was known for being practical and frugal, qualities that reflected her appreciation for hard work and life's blessings. Above all, she was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose greatest joy came from spending time with and loving her family. 

Lou Ann is survived by her children Gorden Cecil Bell (wife, Martha) of Raleigh, NC; Deborah Ann Bell Veale of Hampton, VA; and John Derrick Bell (wife, Terry) of Clayton, NC; 8 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; sister, Virginia Conley of Wilmington, NC; and brothers, John "JT" Daw, Jr. of Clinton, NC and Roy Daw of Athens, AL. 

In addition to her parents, Lou Ann was preceded in death by her siblings, Letha Godfrey, Margaret "Jean" Halas, Gracie Bass, William Lane, Alvin "Billy" Lane and Kenneth Daw. 

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at 3:00pm at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 300 E. McIver Street, Angier, NC 27501. Burial will follow the funeral service at Kennebec Baptist Church Cemetery, 9808 Kennebec Church Rd, Angier, NC 27501. The family will receive friends from 2:00pm - 2:45pm at the funeral home prior to the funeral service. 

Online condolences may be made at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com