Mrs. Barbara Anne Bell, age 81, of Calhoun, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Sunday afternoon, December 22, 2024, at Advent Health Gordon, surrounded by her loving family.

Barbara was born on May 21, 1943, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Gordon Fredrick Markley and Margery Freeman Hale. She graduated from Wheaton Central High School in Wheaton, Illinois, in 1961 and later earned a two-year degree from Stevens Point College at the University of Wisconsin.

Barbara retired from Mayer Electric Supply in Norcross, Georgia, where she worked in customer service. Eighteen years ago, she and her beloved husband, Lonnie Bell, moved to Gordon County, Georgia, to embrace a simpler, more fulfilling life. Lonnie and Barbara would have celebrated their thirty-third wedding anniversary on January 17, 2025.

Barbara's deep compassion and love for others were evident in her dedicated work at the Volunteer Action Center, where she spent countless hours serving meals and spreading kindness in the soup kitchen. Her heart for the less fortunate and her unwavering commitment to her family were hallmarks of her life.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Lonnie Bell; her cherished children, daughter Deborah Sorejian of Hiram, GA, and son David Scott and Margaret Hermans and family of Sturgeon, MO; her adored grandchildren, Jamie and Lindsey Holmes, Amanda and Brian Ellsworth, and Jeremy Sorejian; her beloved stepchildren, Christine and Gary Schofield and family of MO, Jeffrey Bell and family of NY, Robin Bell and Rick Lowenstein and family of KY, and Chad and Frances Bell and family of AZ.

She is also survived by her brothers, Douglas and Kathy Markley of Overland Park, KS, and Jeffrey and Lori Markley of Bainbridge Township, OH; her sister, Jennifer and Tim Byrd of Chapel Hill, TN; her sister-in-law, Jewel Duhme of West Plains, MO; as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Barbara's life was defined by her love for her family and her passion for serving her community. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Memorial service will be held Saturday February 8, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. from the Ponders Calhoun Chapel. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Arrangements by Ponders Calhoun Chapel, 675 Jolley Rd, Calhoun, GA 30701. 706-625-7577. www.selectedindependentfuneralhomes.org