Kay Wilda Bell
January 6, 1933 ~ January 31, 2009
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Kay Wilda Bell, 76, of Asheville, ended her long struggle with Alzheimer's disease Saturday, January 31, 2009, and is whole again with her Lord.
Miss Bell was a native of Buncombe County and was a daughter of the late John and Ollie Arrington Bell. She worked as a dedicated music teacher with the Buncombe County School System for 38 years. Wilda loved children and wanted them to learn to appreciate good music.
Miss Bell was named Teacher of the Year at Estes Elementary School and served as past president of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Asheville, for more than 50 years where she held many positions, including pianist, choir member and soloist.
She is survived by her second cousins, Betty Boyte-Ellis and husband, Robert, of Asheville, Edward Godfrey, of Eustis, FL, and Patsy Ward of Woodleaf, NC; and first cousins, Max Hyder, of New York, and Mae Ward and Zelma Seamon of Woodleaf.
The funeral will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday in the Patton Avenue chapel of Groce Funeral Home with the Rev. Dr. Guy Sayles officiating. Private entombment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park
Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Faith Sunday School Class.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 5 Oak Street, Asheville, NC 28801.
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Ms. Bell was such an outstanding educator. Her love for music really inspired so many of her students. I was one of those young ones who looked so forward to going to her class. I appreciate all her years in touching so many young lives. I saw her at Aston Park while visiting with my Aunt Aileen Brown. She smiled when we talked about the ‘good old days.’ I can hear her singing now, ‘Jesus loves the little children….’ Much love and prayers to all the family.
i will never forget ms. bell
at
valley springs.
oh what a beautiful morning
it
must have been in heaven.
i saw her a year or two ago at the wnc baptist home
and
truly believe she remembered me.
she was such a great teacher
and
musician
My deepest sympathy to the family of Ms Bell. It was always a treat and special day when our music teacher (Ms. Bell) came each week to Biltmore School. Her love of music made us love it, too. She taught us songs to sing with the NC symphony when our class went to the Civic Center which was really special. Thanks so much to her for her dedication to her music and to the students of Buncombe County. Teachers like her are a treasure and give their students memories to treasure. God Bless her and the family.
Wilda was a wonderful teacher and she touched the lives of many students through her gift of music. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
I have known Wilda since the beginning of my teaching career. She loved music and she loved children and the natural combination of teaching elementary music was her calling! Those of us who knew her will remember her wealth of materials and resources and her willingness to share with all of us! Wilda will always be remembered most fondly by her former students and collegues.
Oh the memories of music at Vallely Springs with Miss Bell. It was definitely a highlight of my day. It might well have sparked my love for music.
On behalf of the last graduating class of Biltmore High School (1962)expressions of deepest sympathy are sent to the family of Ms Bell. She was a great friend to our class and her love of music helped us all to conquer ‘For Memories That Never Fade’. She was a delightful addition to our days at Biltmore High!
My late wife & I had known Wilda for many years, in the church choir, and appreciated her musical skill. She will be missed by all who knew her.
To Ms Bell’s Family,
Ms Bell was a very gracious lady and I will miss her very much. Please know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Heaven is going to be a little brighter because of her presence there.
Blessings,
Tommy Koontz
I have to say the hi-light of my week at Valley Springs from 1957 thru 1965 was music with Mrs. Bell. I recently spoke to her at Aston Park Health Care Facility, and mentioned the joy of her class, and she smiled. So I think at that moment on that day she knew someone remembered her special ability and she was and is remembered with fond memories.
Heaven is certainly enjoying having Ms. Bell in the choir. At Valley Springs, music was such an important part of our week. We were introduced to all types of music and looked forward to those classes. We had been able to talk to her at Aston Park letting her know how much we appreciated her teaching us music. Our family,(Aileen Brown’s children) sends our prayers and thoughts to your family. We all know that Heaven is richer with her presence.
It is so good to know that dear Wilda has finally been released of duty and responsibility here on earth. She was a diligent professional even as she had to care for her mother. One wonders how long it will take this sweet colleague to ‘know’ that her work here as earned her every Heavenly reward our Master and Friend as promised. No more duty lists and lugging materials from building to car to building, Wilda. God has blessed me with knowing you. Sandra
I will never forget Miss Bell being my elementary school music teacher at Bell Elementary and a member of my church for as long as I can remember. What a dear sweet lady she was. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
WHEN I WAS IN THE 9TH GRADE AT BILTMORE HIGH SCHOOL MISS BELL WAS OUR MUSIC TEACHER..I LOVED TO SING AND SHE ENCOURAGED ME TO SING IN PUBLIC. AT THE END OF THE YEAR SHE TAUGHT ME THE SONG ‘STRANGER OF GALILEE’. THROUGHT HER GUIDANCE I NAILED IT AND GOT A STANDING OVATION WHICH I APPRECIATED BUT THE LOOK OF PURE PRIDE ON HER FACE WAS WORTH THE BUTTERFLIES AND PRACTICE…I LOST TOUCH WITH HER AND WAS SORRY TO HEAR OF HER GRADUATION INTO HEAVEN…SHE WAS MY FAVORITE AND THANKS TO HER I AM STILL SINGING EVEN INTO MY LATE 60’S SINGING SOUTHERN GOSPEL AND TRAVEL ON THE ROAD WITH A QUARTET..SOMEHOW I THINK SHE NOW KNOWS I DIDN’T LET HER DOWN WITH THE GOSPEL MUSIC….I WAS HONORED TO HAVE BEEN HER STUDENT……….
To the family of Wilda Bell:
I taught with Miss Bell at Valley Springs and then Estes. Wilda was an outstanding educator and had such a love of music. One could sense this love as she passed it on to her students. Her students were very lucky to have her as their Music Teacher. Please accept my deepest sympathy. Wilda will be missed by everyone.
Jane Kramer