Thelma Gause Bell

Deaconess Emeritus Thelma G. Bell was born on March 24, 1945, in Shallotte, North Carolina to the late Otto Gause and the Late Lizze Mae Pyatt. She attended Carver School in Myrtle Beach and Whittemore High in Conway, South Carolina.

Deaconess Emeritus Thelma love and devotion to the Lord were evident through her dedicated service in various ministries. She served faithfully as a Deaconess and member of Ebenezer AME Church in Charleston, SC. Her commitment extended to the ECHO Ministry and St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Corpus Christi, TX, where she also praised and worshipped as a member of the Senior Choir. At Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church in Corpus Christi, TX, she served on the Hospitality Committee. She later continued her service as a Deaconess at Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in North Charleston, SC, earning the Emeritus status. Additionally, she was an active member of the Cancer Survivor Ministry and the Pastor’s Aid Ministry.

She devoted her life to serving others through a career in healthcare. She completed her medical training as a Nurse’s Aide in Utah, working with compassion and dedication. Her work touched countless lives providing comfort and care to patients and their families during their times of greatest need. She also worked at Spahn hospital in Corpus Christi Texas and Houston Northwest Hospital in Houston Texas and continued her commitment in healthcare by joining Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). There she served as a nurse’s aide and secretary, bringing organization, warmth and a steady hand to the team. Her professionalism and kind spirit made her a valued colleague and friend. After years of service, Thelma retired from MUSC, leaving behind not only a record of hard work and achievement, but also a legacy of compassion, grace, and dedication that will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with her.

Deaconess Bell is survived by her devoted husband, with whom united in Holy Matrimony to Ernest Leroy Bell on February 16, 1963. Together they were blessed with four beautiful children: Ernest Anthony Bell (Tony) of Charleston, SC; Natashia Geddis of Summerville, SC; Erica Bell-Seward (Kenyatta) of Charlotte, NC; Eric Bell (Angelica) of Summerville, SC; brother: Alphonso Timothy Pyatt (Dorethea) of Myrtle Beach, SC; Melvin Nesbitt (Loretta) of Santee, SC; and Michael Nesbitt of Mrytle Beach, SC. Her loving grandchildren: Christopher Bell (Renata) of Atlanta, GA; Brandon Geddis of Charleston, SC; Janell Geddis of Fayetteville, NC; Ty Geddis and Taylor Geddis of Summerville, SC; Anthony Bell of Hanahan, SC; Jazmyn Bell of Summerville, SC and Zolie Bell of North Charleston, SC. Great grandchildren: Alex Bell and Natalia Bell, Braydon, Landon and Jordon Geddis, Adrian and Waverly Sales and Lovelynn Bell; special cousin, Evelyn Bullock of Shallotte, NC, and special friends: Richardine Edwards, Rev. Vivian Freeman-Oree, Anetha Buggs, Daisy Kyle, Van Floyd, Florenda Sanders and a host of family members and friends.

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