Charlotte Eugenia Bell, 80, of Conway, AR, passed away Monday, January 1st. She was born November 10th, 1943, in Hot Springs, AR to the late Luther and Christine Steuart. With pride she would say she was ‘raised, reared and ruined’ or ‘born and raised’ in Hot Springs.
Charlotte was born to be a teacher. She taught in Hot Springs at Jones School, paused a few years after her daughter’s debut, then taught again for 17 years in Cabot at ‘Westside, the Best Side’. Many times she proclaimed she would teach without being paid. She had only one daughter, but each school year the students joined her family in her heart. Her classroom was wall-to-wall bright and fun. She would freehand draw most of her bulletin board themes and decorations. She enjoyed being on stage in front of the classroom. Her teacher heart continued in retirement, and she gave out an A+ to countless others.
Charlotte could out talk anyone and never met a stranger. She may or may not have been scolded for talking in school a time or two. She got her teaching degree at Ouachita Baptist University and worked in the library as quietly as she could. She reflected on this season with such joy.
Charlotte was driven to learn and serve. Over the years she held positions and worked in various organizations such as the Women’s Council in Hot Springs, Delta Kappa Gamma, Faulkner County Literacy Council and Faulkner County Retired Teachers. She taught Sunday School and was giddy each summer as Vacation Bible School approached. She learned sign language, played Bunco with friends, and sang in the choir with the Hot Springs Village Symphony.
Charlotte met her love, Elwood Bell, in church. She played the piano, and he sang in the choir. A friend insisted they would be a great match, and so their journey together began. From this they became ‘The 3 Bells’; then later ‘The Dixon 3’ was created. She doted on her grandson from the moment he arrived. At every visit there was an art project, a game or a ride to ‘Fred’s House’ to buy him whatever his heart desired.
Charlotte was incredibly creative and intentionally thoughtful. She could craft anything into something pretty. She had a passion for decorating and rearranged often. She designed every holiday, birthday and special occasion to be over-the-top beautiful down to the tiniest detail.
Charlotte was a force of energy and fun with a social spirit and splashes of humor. She would light up a room with her sparkling smile. One of her most admired gifts was her genuine ability to make someone feel special. She was devoted to writing letters and sending cards weekly and filled the outside of the envelopes with shiny stickers.
Charlotte was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband of 50 years, Elwood Bell; her partner-in-mischief brother, Charles ‘Tommy’ Steuart, with her cherished sister-in-law, Anne; and her loved nephew, Steven Steuart; and many others from her blessed family tree and several dear friends.
Charlotte leaves behind her only child, Kathleen, who she referred to as her ‘precious daughter’; her adored son-in-law, John Dixon; and one-and-only treasured grandson, Alex Dixon; her loved niece, Beth Brennan, with her family; and countless friends and strangers touched by her.
Our ‘Celebration of Charlotte’ will be Saturday, January 6th at LifeSong Baptist Church in Greenbrier. The afternoon will begin at 1:30 with a social gathering to visit and enjoy pictures galore. The service will be at 2:30 with Brother Freddie Mark Wilcox officiating. A Southern Comfort meal will follow.
Sincere appreciation to Home Instead in Conway and Magnolia Landing in Greenbrier for their love and support we received. In lieu of flowers, monetary donations are welcome to Magnolia Landing at 1 Ball Hill Drive.
To send flowers to the family in memory of Charlotte Eugenia Steuart Bell, please visit our flower store.