Julia Mae Bell

Julia Mae Bell was born to Eddie Collins and Idella Collins August 10, 1934, in Tifton, Georgia. She went home to glory on July 22, 2026. She entered into eternal rest at the age of 91. At an early age, Julia found a love for singing and she carried that love with her always. In her teens she left Georgia and moved to DeFuniak Springs, Florida. She quickly became a pillar of the community, gaining renown for her singing and big heart. Over the years she proved to be a wonderful caregiver, skilled in the kitchen, and a hard-working businesswoman. On December 29, 1973, she married Henry Bell Sr. Together they raised twelve children. From those children an abundance of love and life sprouted. A love and legacy that continues to flourish today. Julia  Mae Bell will be missed and will forever remain in the hearts of those who were blessed enough to know her.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Henry Bell Sr.; her parents, Eddie Collins Sr. and Idella Collins; two children, Cynthia Beach (Henry Beach Jr.) and Barbara McNeal; and three siblings, Eddie Collins Jr., Della Collins, and Andrew Jean Ridley.

Julia is survived by seven children, Carlotta Smith, Donald Whitehead, Earnest Whitehead, Lawrence Whitehead (Flora Ann Whitehead), Regina McNeal, Renee Whitehead, and Ronald Bell (Adrienne Bell); three stepchildren, Brenda Bell-Hogans, Felix Bell (Leontine Bell), and Henry Belle Jr. (Geraldine Belle); two goddaughters, Angela Campbell Lindsey and Victoria Crystal. Julia also leaves behind a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

A time of visitation will be held Friday, July 31, 2026, in the chapel of Davis-Watkins Funeral Home, 1474 State Highway 83 North DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32433, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 1, 2026 at St. Joseph AME Church, 210 Graham Avenue DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32433 beginning at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Willie E. Williams officiating. Committal services will follow at Magnolia Cemetery.

Arrangements and services are under the direction of Davis-Watkins Funeral Home of DeFuniak Springs.