Cheryl Lee Bell

Cheryl "Cherry" Lee Cook Bell, 69, of Fouke, Ark., passed away peacefully Friday, July 26th, 2013 at her home. She was born March 3, 1944 in Cleveland, Ohio, to James H. Cook and Myra Pierce Cook, of Jonesboro, Ark. She was raised in Jonesboro, Ark., moved to Pine Bluff, Ark. with her parents and siblings, and briefly lived in California with her beloved Aunt Joan Pierce Farley and family, before later returning to Pine Bluff, Ark. Cherry was a majorette in the 8th grade, and a cheerleader in the 9th grade at Annie Camp Jr. High in Jonesboro. Winning the pageant at the age of 14, in 1958, she became Miss Craighead County, and remained the Reigning Miss Craighead County, since there had not been a pageant after that year. In 1960, while in California, Cherry became Miss Santa Fe Springs. Cherry was always beautiful, but her soul was even more beautiful. In 1963, Cherry married the love of her life, Luther Bell. This past May 22, 2013, they celebrated 50 wonderful years together, having a small family celebration at the home of her father in Pine Bluff. In 1972, she and Luther moved to Texarkana, Texas with their three children. Cherry and Luther were owners of Luther Bell's Jewelers in Central Mall, and owners of Luther Bell Enterprises, Inc., until they retired and moved to Panama City Beach, Fla. in 1990. In 2006, they moved back to the Texarkana area, living in Fouke, AR, surrounded by family, including 2 special grandchildren, whom she adored, and loved spending her time with and caring for, watching them grow, and participate in their activities. Cherry was wonderful cook, and loved preparing special meals for her family and friends. She was an avid reader. But most of all, Cherry was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister and daughter, cousin, and friend. In January of this year, she was diagnosed with cancer. She fought the disease bravely, always positive and smiling, and still always thinking of others. She showed strength and courage, and touched many lives, even during her sickness. And in her passing, she will continue to touch lives, and be a continued influence on how to love and treat others, and how to live life, through happy times, and through life's struggles. In those last months, their motto became, "Plan for tomorrow, but live for today." Cherry Bell is survived by her loving husband, Luther Bell, of Fouke, Ark. Three children, Robin Bell Bostick, of Mobile, Ala., Kenyon (Kenny) Bell of Texarkana, Ark.; Tiffany Bell Smith and husband, Chad, of Fouke, Ark. Two grandchildren, Trevor and Sydnie Smith, of Fouke, Ark. She is also survived by her father, James H. Cook, of Pine Bluff, Ark., her siblings, Darla Cook of Mobile, Ala., Brenda & Gene Tiner, of Pine Bluff, Ark.; Beverly & Paul Donehue of Londonderry, N.H., and Jim and Nancy Cook of Little Rock, Ark., along with a number of other relatives. Services will be 2 p.m., Tuesday, July 30th, 2013 at East Memorial Chapel-Downtown, Texarkana, Texas. Burial will be in Sylverino Cemetery, Fouke, AR, under the direction of East Funeral Home-Downtown, with Bro. Kevin Holt officiating. Family will be at the home of Chad and Tiffany Smith, 4084 Miller County Rd 43, Fouke, Ark. Memorials can be made to Hospice of Texarkana. Online tributes can be sent at www.eastfuneralhomes.com.