Dorothy Oatley Bell

Dorothy Oatley Bell, age 84, passed away surrounded by family in the early morning hours of October 9th.

Born on December 18th, 1931, in Atlanta, Georgia, she was affectionately known to people as 'Dot' – a nickname given to her by her parents John and Martha Oatley as the youngest and last child, period, the end.

Dot was married to the late Dr. Wade Hampton Bell Jr., a Presbyterian minister. Together they served many communities and attended to the needs of countless people. Jackson Presbyterian Church in Jackson, Georgia, Midway Presbyterian Church in Decatur, Georgia and First Presbyterian Church in Valdosta, Georgia, as well as two in Panama City, Florida Wallace Memorial Presbyterian and Grace Presbyterian Church, benefited from Dot and Wade's service and felt blessed to have them as part of their community, where Wade was pastor. In addition, many children benefited from Dot's preschool teaching that instilled a love of reading and learning. Dot and Wade enjoyed retirement together in the mountains of North Georgia until Wade's death in 2002.

Dot relocated to Fernandina Beach, Florida in 2004. She became an active member of the First Presbyterian Church and became involved in numerous local organizations. Dot was an avid bridge player, a great cook, a world traveler and enjoyed the company of her many friends. Dot loved life and met everyone with a ready smile.

However, her greatest pleasure came from being with family. This was especially true during holidays when Dot decorated her home to embrace the full feeling of every season. She is survived by her sister: Jane Hynds and husband, Jody; son: Wade H. Bell III and wife, Pam of Fernandina Beach; daughter: Dr. Martie Bell and husband, Harry Warren of Thomasville, NC; grandchildren: Kirsten Campbell and husband, Rob, Jensen Bell and wife, Emily, Stevn Bell and wife, Jenni, Katrin Bell, Dianna Bell and Gavin Bell; great-grandchildren Maddy Campbell, Sady Campbell and Emma Kate Bell; as well as a niece and nephews and their families.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Wade H. Bell Jr.; her son, John S. Bell; and sisters, Martha Oatley, Mary Hill Stanford and her husband, James Stanford.

A Graveside Service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Sunday, October 16, 2016, at Yonah Memorial Gardens, Demorest, Georgia with Rev. James Stanford

The family will receive friends from 12:45 p.m. to 1:15 p.m., Sunday, October 16, 2016 at the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel prior to the service.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, October 20, 2016 at the First Presbyterian Church of Fernandina Beach, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in remembrance of Dot Bell to the First Presbyterian Church of Fernandina Beach, First Presbyterian Church, 9 North Sixth Street, Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034

Those wishing to express online condolences to the family may do so by visiting whitfieldfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are in care of Whitfield Funeral Home & Crematory, North Chapel, 245 Central Avenue, Demorest, Georgia 706-778-1700