Minnie Lee Bell

Minnie Lee Bell, 85, a resident of Biloxi, Mississippi, passed away on January 12, 2026, at Ocean Springs Hospital in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

She was born on January 1, 1941, in Picayune, Mississippi, to the late Silas Smith, Sr. and Ruth Thelma Smith. Minnie was preceded in death by three brothers, Silas Smith, Jr., John Leo Smith, and George Smith. She leaves to cherish her memory one sister, Martha Smith of Picayune, Mississippi.

Minnie attended George Washington Carver High School, where she earned her high school diploma. She later married Anthony Bell, Sr. on September 12, 1961.

From 1977 to 2002, Minnie worked faithfully as a Teacher’s Assistant at Moore’s Community House. During her tenure, she earned multiple Teacher Assistant certifications from William Carey University, reflecting her dedication to education and service to children.

Minnie was preceded in death by her husband, Anthony Bell, Sr., and her daughter, LaMonica Gayden.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory four children and one honorary son: Angela Bell of Biloxi, MS, Russell Carriere of Biloxi, MS (honorary son), Carla Lanier (Paul Lanier) of Columbus, OH, Anthony Bell, Jr. (Judy Beth Tyler Bell) of San Diego, CA.

She also leaves seven grandchildren: Rashida Bell, Jameel Rucker, Aneisha Bell, LaMarcus Gayden, and Christopher Gayden, Jr., all of Biloxi, MS, and Grace Tyler Bell and Catherine Tyler Bell, both of San Diego, CA; four great-grandchildren: Mallory Atkinson, McKinnley Atkinson, Tristan Gayden, and Aubrey Powell, all of Biloxi, MS.

Minnie will also be lovingly remembered by her devoted best friend of over 30 years, Alice M. Reddix; The Jackson Family of Picayune, MS; New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church Family; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 2:00 pm, at New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. Visitation will start at 1:00 pm.

Infinity Funeral Home extends our condolences to the family of Minnie Bell. For inquiries, call 228-436-6722.