Emma Jean Harrell Bell

Emma Jean Harrell Bell, 97, of Climax, passed away Wednesday, September 3, 2025.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Salem Baptist Church with Rev. Rick Turner and Rev. Lynn Roberts officiating. Interment will follow at Salem Baptist Church Cemetery with Johnny Harrell, Jeff Rich, Jonathan Rich, Brian Hayes, Michael Pope, Hayes Bell, John McClenny, Drew Cook and Doyle Womack serving as active pallbearers. Scott Ross Hayes, Logan Rich, Michael Rich, and Miller Hayes will serve as honorary pallbearers.

The family will receive friends from 6:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 5, 2025, at Bryant Funeral Home. Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.bryantfuneralga.com. Memorial donations may be made to Salem Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 1160 Salem Church Road, Climax, GA 39834.

Emma Jean Harrell was born August 27, 1928, in Climax, GA, the daughter of P.R. & Vera Palmer Harrell. She was a graduate of Climax High School. Emma Jean married William A. Bell, Jr., in 1949, and they spent their lives not only farming, but growing a one-of-a-kind family. Emma Jean was honored as Decatur County AG Woman of the Year and her family was honored as Farm Family of the Year. She was an active member for decades of Salem Baptist Church.

Miss Emma Jean lived her life in such a way that she told her own story. She was raised on a farm and spent her life dedicated to her own family's farm. She didn't shy away from work and stepped up to the plate with zero qualms.

Emma Jean was a cultivator on the farm and in the home. She raised a passel of children and grandchildren caring for each one like they were the most precious. MawMaw supplied her college aged grandchildren with care packages filled with their favorites and had things like ham pie, fried chicken, and twice baked potatoes when they rolled in the driveway for a weekend visit.

Miss Emma Jean loved others and served them with all she had. She baked cakes for most occasions, prepared meals for the bereaved, provided fresh flowers for churches in the area, and showed up just when you needed her. She never spoke ill of anyone, and when she loved you, she loved you big. Her legacy as a woman in agriculture, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, and a friend is unmatched. Emma Jean earned the right to choose her seat.

Survivors include her children, Billie Jean & Lane Rich, Buster & Lynda Bell, Andy Bell, and Nancy McClenny; her grandchildren, Jeff & Nikki, Jonathan, Lindsey & Brian, Hayes & Brandi, Cori & Michael, John, and Jennifer & Drew; her great-grandchildren, Michael, Logan, Marbella, Morgan, Perry, Maddox, Grant, Brock, Fin, Flint, Miller, Rachel, Scott Ross, and Kirksey; and a host of extended family. In addition to her parents, Emma Jean was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, William A. Bell, Jr.; her daughter-in-law, Judy Bell; her son-in-law, Jarrell McClenny; and her brothers, Rev. Ed Harrell and J.D. Harrell.

The Bell Family would like to express their sincerest appreciation for the kindness and compassionate care Angela Kay and the entire staff of Kay's Caring Hands (especially Tasha & Shawntika) provided. Special thanks to Kathy Harrell and Cathy Wilson for their dedication and love to Emma Jean.