Mildred Parnell Bell

Mildred Parnell Bell, age 93 went to her heavenly home on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 surrounded by her family and her favorite CNA. A visitation will be held 2-3 p.m. Friday, August 13th in the Lamar Chapel at Belk Funeral Home, with a graveside service following at 3:15 p.m. at Lamar Memorial Cemetery.

Born on October 4, 1927, Mildred was the daughter of the late Gary and Hattie Windham Parnell. She and her husband Hennice owned Bell’s Texaco Station before converting it into a convenient store. They founded the Gay-Ann Superette in 1977, named after Gary and Angie. Mildred continued to operate the store for many years after her husband’s passing.

Mildred loved her family and loved nothing more than having all of them under one roof during the holidays. She loved a good laugh and a hot cup of Krispy Kreme coffee. She was a simple woman that it didn’t take much to make her happy. Mildred enjoyed watching NASCAR and was perhaps the late Dale Earnhardt’s biggest fan.

She enjoyed playing Bingo at the Heritage Home, where she was affectionately known as “Granny” and “Queen”. Her mind remained “sharp as a tack” as she sometimes played six Bingo cards at a time at the age of 93. She was a long-time member of Lamar United Methodist Church.

Mildred is survived by her children, Guy Bell (Rita) of Lamar, Cathy B. Teague (Bruce) of Murrells Inlet and Angie B. Holdorf (Bruce) of Florence; grandchildren, Gary (Saundra) Bell of Charlotte, NC and Cindy B. Welch (Jerry) of Timmonsville; two great-grandsons that she adored, Parker Bell of Charlotte, NC and Bill Welch of Timmonsville; her sister, Ruby Parnell of Lamar; and a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, Hennice Levin Bell; her siblings, Robert Elvis Parnell, Lois Amerson and Gary Parnell, Jr.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Heritage Home of Florence, Trese, Shannon, Angela and Patti for their love and care over the last few years, and a special; thank you to Agape Hospice for their care over the past few months.

Memorials may be made to Lamar United Methodist Church, PO Box 555 Lamar, SC 29069.

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