Mrs. Thelma Marie (Rita) Bell, age 59, of Portland, AR passed away Saturday, January 14, 2017 at her residence. She was a native of Portland, AR, a resident of Chicago, IL for 25 years, a Certified Nurse's Assistant (CNA), and a member of Brown Temple Baptist Church.

She is preceded in death by her father, Alex Washington. Mrs. Bell was faithful to her church as long as her health permitted. She enjoyed spending time with her family and caring for children. She was truly an inspiration to all who knew her.

She leaves to cherish her memories a devoted husband of twelve years, Johnny Bell, Sr. of Portland, AR; one son: Johnny Bell Jr. of Portland, AR; her mother: Jessie Harvey of Portland, AR; her step-father: Joe Harvey of Portland, AR; two brothers: Bruce Washington of McGehee, AR; Ricky Washington of Chicago, IL, and a host of other family and friends.

Services will be held 11:00AM Saturday, January 21, 2017 at Portland #2 Baptist Church with Pastor Walter Witherspoon, officiating. Pallbearers are Matt Webb, Patrick Smith, Robert Sykes, George Gipson, Jo Nathan Webb and Charles Bynum. Honorary Pallbearers are Chester Dunn, Marcus Harper, Johnny Bell Jr., and Bruce Washington. Burial in Portland #2 Cemetery.

Viewing will be held Friday, January 20, 2017 from 1:00PM until 6:00PM at Cromwell Funeral Home, Inc.