Mabel Joyce Bell

ANGIER, NC - Mabel Joyce Hunt Bell, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, passed away on August 17, 2026, at the age of 92. She was born April 29, 1934 in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to the late Conrad Perry Hunt and Inez Joyce Gregory Hunt. Joyce married Jerry Russell Bell in 1967, later divorced. During the 25 years of their marriage, they lived in Bountiful, Utah, where they welcomed one daughter, Morgan. In 1995, Joyce returned "home" to Angier, North Carolina, where she had spent the first 30 years of her life. It's only fitting that she spent the last 30 there as well.

Joyce was a woman who had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcome, valued, and loved. Her quick wit, genuine kindness, and openhearted acceptance of others drew people to her throughout her life. In 1952, when she graduated from Angier High School, she was voted “Most Popular.” It was a title that, in many ways, never left her. She continued to be loved and admired by the people fortunate enough to know her, because being around her simply felt good.

After high school, she attended Hardbarger Business College and began what would become a varied and fulfilling working life. Her first job was as a long-distance telephone operator for Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Company, a position she took right out of high school. Over the years, she wore many professional hats, including secretary, general manager and owner of a small restaurant, insurance agent, loan origination officer, and Certified Nursing Assistant. Whatever the job, she brought the same qualities with her: determination, compassion, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to help others.

Service to others was not simply something she did; it was part of who she was. She gave her time and energy in countless ways, always finding opportunities to make someone else’s day a little easier. One of the clearest examples was her commitment to Meals on Wheels, delivering meals to those in need right up until her passing. Even as she grew older, she continued looking outward, asking what she could do for someone else.

And then there were the cats.

She loved cats with a devotion that was impossible to miss. She always had at least two, and somehow there was always room for another. Strays seemed to know that her home was a safe haven, and she could never turn away an animal in need. Over the years, she welcomed countless cats into her life, proving that her capacity for love was generous enough for both humans and felines. In truth, she had a soft spot for strays of all kinds—and that may explain, at least in part, why so many people were drawn to her, too.

Her life was defined not by a single career, accomplishment, or title, but by the lives she touched. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, friend, coworker, caregiver, neighbor, and confidante. She was someone who could make people laugh with her quick wit, comfort them with her kindness, and accept them exactly as they were.

Those who knew her will remember her laughter, her humor, her compassion, and her ability to make people feel like they belonged. They will remember a woman who worked hard, served others, loved deeply, and never met a stray—human or cat—she didn't want to help.

Though she is deeply missed, her legacy lives on in the people she loved, the people she helped, and the many lives she made brighter simply by being part of them.

She was "Most Popular" in 1952.She remained so for the rest of her life. And to those who loved her, she always will be.

Joyce is survived by her daughter, Morgan (Joel) Barraza of Clinton, Utah; grandchildren, Joshua (Sara) Barraza, Allyson (Jake) Bouwhuis, Savannah Barraza, James Barraza, Samuel Barraza and Isaac Barraza; great-grandchildren, Jaxon Quick and Mia Barraza; sisters Susan Millar and Janet McCool; and many special nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. In addition to her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by siblings, Helen Smith, Carolyn Buffo, Carlton Perry Hunt, Dora Sharpe, and Jon Hunt.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Angier Methodist Church (278 S. Wilma Street, Angier). Friends and family may visit prior to services from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. Internment will follow at Angier Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery (536 E. Depot Street, Angier).

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to ASPCA or your favorite cat rescue.

A service of Bryan-Lee Funeral Home - Angier.