Jean H Bell June 29, 1936 - April 14, 2024

MODESTO, California - It’s with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Jean H. Bell.

She was born June 29, 1936, the first child to Wesley Hensley and Frances Fletcher in Santa Rosa, CA. She spent her childhood living between Santa Rosa, Hinkley and Modesto, CA. She would eventually settle in Modesto where she attended high school.

She met Billy J. Bell while cruising 10th Street and they were married in 1956. Their first child, Pamela arrived in 1957 followed by Brenda in 1959 and lastly Bryan in 1960. During that year they purchased a beautiful home in Modesto where she would spend the next 63 years of her life until death.

She was a stay-at-home mom until the mid-1970’s gaining employment at local canneries and would ultimately retire from Modesto City Schools as a Noon Duty Supervisor.

In retirement she enjoyed many different activities from “thrifting, going to the library, seeing movies, and visiting fruit stands in the area. Her favorite activity though was cruising around in her lowered pick-up truck.

She was preceded by her husband Billy J. Bell, daughter Brenda Barfield and brothers Jerry Curtis, Jim Hensley & Joe Santone. She is survived by her brothers Lester, Paul, Mark & Steve Hensley, and sister Dauna Cole. Children Pamela Hayes (Michael) & Bryan Bell. Grandchildren Corey Johnson & Laura De Hart, Great Grandchildren Jaiden Fulton, Jesse Davis, Amelia & Finn Johnson.

A very special thanks to the caregivers and Community Hospice who provided her all the care and comfort towards the end of her life.

A graveside service will be held at Lakewood Memorial Park on May 17th at 11:00 a.m. with a reception to follow at the park.