Gussie Mae Bell Kelleybrew

Gussie Mae Bell Kelleybrew began her journey of life in Beirne, Arkansas on February 18, 1924 when she was born to William and Irene Roberts Bell. She completed a 95 year journey on Thursday, March 28, 2019 at 6:59 p.m. shortly after the passing of her sister, Christine. Gussie was one of 16 children born into the large Bell family. 

Gussie accepted Christ as a young girl, was baptized and united with Shady Grove Baptist Church. She attended the Mt. Canaan Church school. Excited about the possibilities of life outside of Arkansas, she followed her brother, J. C. Bell to Omaha, Nebraska. She had long ago overcome her shyness and was widely known for her quick wit and charm. Outspoken and outgoing she made friends easily. 

She worked at the Rome Hotel where she met Levertis Kelleybrew. After work one evening he offered to walk her home and the remainder was history. Although they had no children while married, she loved her bonus daughter as her own.

In her later years, Gussie was slowed down by her body, but not her spirit. She relocated to Arkadelphia with her great-niece, Tina. With a youthful spirit, she continued to live with the exuberance of a teenager, all while continuing to reestablish close ties with her family. She loved going to the CADC Building and referred to it as the “Site”. There she met her CADC buddies, Muriel Thomas and Mary E. Summerville who truly enriched her life. 

She united with Tate Temple COGIC under the leadership of Supt. Leroy Williams and served on the mother’s board.  She loved singing and praising the Lord, but nothing could keep her from her favorite bag of Cheeto Puffs. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Levertis Kelleybrew; her bonus daughter, Dollie Dimple Kelleybrew Stegall; a grandson, Michael Stegall; her brothers, Oscar Bell, John Bell, Wallace Bell, Bernie Bell, J.C. Bell, Henry Bell, Sr., William Bell, and James Bell; her sisters, Lizzie Hunter, Mamie McFarland, Willie Mae Jackson, Mary Snowden, Katie Golden and Christine “Doll” Bell Hatley.

A lifetime of love and memories will be forever remembered by her great-niece and caregiver, Tina Johnson of Arkadelphia; grandchildren, Gwendolyn Davis, Willie, Houston, Kaye, Jerry and Sandra Stegall all of Alton, IL and Loretta Ward of Memphis, TN; and one sister, Maude Echols of Omaha, NE. She also leaves nieces, nephews, cousins; her special friends and CADC Buddies Muriel Thomas and Mary Summerville, as well as, the Tate Temple COGIC family.

The family will greet and receive friends Saturday, April 6, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. with the home going service starting at 11:00 a.m. at Tate Temple Church of God In Christ with Superintendent Leroy Williams, officiating. Interment will be at Shady Grove Cemetery in Beirne, Arkansas.