Julie Kelley Bell
From the bottom of our hearts, we are saddened to announce the passing of Julie Kelley Bell of Ft. Myers from her 7-year battle with cancer on the morning of September 11th at the age of 65.
Her life was full of many memorable moments from her 36-year teaching career to the loving family environment. Julie was born January 28, 1958, in Ancon, Panama Canal Zone. As the daughter of a Marine, Julie moved often and lived all across the United States, including Arizona, California, Maryland, and North Carolina. Beginning in 1964, Julie’s grandparents moved to Ft. Myers Beach, which became a home base for the family. In 1977, Julie graduated from Cypress Lake High School, and went to Florida State University to obtain her Bachelor’s Degree to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a teacher. Later she returned to college at the University of Miami to obtain her Master’s Degree. Although she initially wanted to teach history, after losing an eye in a car accident in 1976, she decided to use her experience to teach visually disabled students. Through her 36 years with the Lee County School System, she expanded her skills to teach students with other disabilities as well. Julie was a member of St. Raphael’s Episcopal Church since the mid-1960’s, serving as a member of the choir, the youth choir, the rhythmic choir, the vestry, and Warden. Julie had many interests. She was an avid quilter and member of a reading club. One of her favorite activities was planning her high school reunions. But the most important thing in Julie’s life was her family, primarily her two sons, Darrell P. Bell and John W. Bell, and her grandchildren, Jayden and Jordan Bell.
Julie was predeceased by her father, John H. Kelley, her brother John H. Kelley, Jr., and her aunt Evelyn (Mimi) Huyck. She leaves behind her mother (Martha Gatley Kelley), a brother (Albert L. Kelley), two sons, (Darrell P. Bell and John W. Bell) and two grandchildren (Jayden and Jordan Bell) and extended family members (Breanna Shaye Kelley, Devon Kelley, Connie Kelley, Angie Castillo Kelley, Van Huyck).
A Remembrance of Life will be held by St. Raphael’s Episcopal Church (Father Michael Rowe presiding) at Iona Hope Episcopal Church, 9650 Gladiolus Dr., Ft. Myers Florida on November 23, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow in the Adler Gathering Place, next to the church. Rather than flowers, the family is requesting donations to be made to one of the following: St, Raphael’s Episcopal Church, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, or Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation.