Carol Jean Blakemore Bell

Carol Jean Blakemore Bell, age 89 of Paris, TN, died at her residence on April 26, 2022, surrounded by her family.

Carol was born on June 3, 1932, in Midlothian, Illinois to the late Ralph Michael and Helen Blakemore.

She was the beloved wife of the late Jerry Vince Bell who preceded her on August 28, 2020.

She is survived by her children, Mary Ellen (Glenn) Blanton of Paris, Diane (Joe) Clayton of Paris, Jerry (Tamara) Bell Jr. of Paris, Barbara (Dave) Holtgrewe of Paris, Dale (Connie) Bell of Paris, Jackie Bell of Paris, and Kathleen Hamlin (JC Ramos) of Paris. She is also survived by her 18 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, 1 sister and 2 brothers of Illinois, nephew, T.J. Bell of Flowood, MS, her faithful pet companion, Bella and her amazing caregiver staff.

In addition to her parents, she was also proceeded in death by her son-in-law, Jeff Hamlin, one grandson, Trey Hamlin and 8 brothers and sisters.

She loved her Lord & Savior, her family, and her country. She was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church since 1972.

Carol devoted her life to be a homemaker and stay at home mom to raise seven children.

We have lost the heart of the Bell family, the mom that created the warmth of the home we enjoyed growing up in, the home she created that we and our children wanted to come home to and the home we clung to when our dad passed away. The memories will live forever in our hearts.

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap Street P.O. Box 788 Paris, TN 38242.

Visitation will be Monday, May 2, 2022 at Ridgeway Funeral Home from 4-7 pm.  The Funeral Mass will be held at 11 am Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 1210 E. Wood Street, Paris, TN 38242 with a longtime family friend, Monsignor John B. McArthur officiating.

Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.  Named as an honorary pallbearer is nephew, T.J. Bell.

Memorials may be made to:

St. Jude’s Research Hospital

501 St. Jude Place

Memphis, TN 38105

Holy Cross Catholic Church

Good Samaritan Fund

1210 E. Wood Street

Paris, TN 38242