LaWanda Kay Bell received her Heavenly reward on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at the age of 83. The daughter of Virgil and Lucille Naomi (Humphrey) George, LaWanda was born on August 1, 1942 in Shawnee, Oklahoma. She grew up attending OKC Schools and graduating in 1960 from Capitol Hill High School. After high school, she attended Southwest Assembly of God College in Waxahachie, Texas and later worked in OKC at Southwestern Bell Telephone.

Soon LaWanda would meet a tall, dark-haired gentleman, Kenneth Rudell Bell at Cattleman's Café in the Stockyards of OKC. Their love blossomed and the two were united in holy matrimony on November 22, 1963, at Agnew Pentecostal Holiness Church, where they attended for several years. The day of their marriage was always remembered bittersweetly as the same day that President John F. Kennedy lost his life in Dallas, Texas. They were blessed in 1965 with a daughter, Ambur Kay Bell, and later in 1969 with their son, Eric Alan Bell. Ken and LaWanda remained married for more than 47 years until Ken's passing on August 29, 2010.

In addition to being a loving wife, devoted mother, and dedicated homemaker, LaWanda also worked outside of the home. She worked in sales for James Lighting and later for Dr. Marvin Rodgers, as his medical office receptionist. There, LaWanda served as a vital role in the successes of the business and enjoyed making many lifelong friendships with the staff and patients.

LaWanda's family was the center of her world. She was always there for her children and grandchildren, whether it was attending their music or sporting events, or just having them all at her house on Friday nights for evenings of revelry. Olivia, Madeline, Caroline, and Ava Bell each shared many of these nights at Grandma Bell's, and each has many memories of Grandma spoiling them and always making things fun. They were her priority, and she would do almost anything they asked of her.

LaWanda was also a very gifted musician and pianist. She especially loved singing and playing all the good hymns and songs of worship with Ken and several other lifelong friends. LaWanda enjoyed many hobbies such as gardening, reading, word -search puzzles, and shopping.

At an early age, LaWanda accepted the Lord in her heart while attending Southwest Assembly of God with her mother and sisters, Sonja (George) Shockley and Marilyn (George) Rodgers. She strived to live a life honoring and serving the Lord. LaWanda truly exemplified a Proverbs 31 woman. Her genuineness, generosity and servant's heart were a true testament of God's love and her love for the Lord! She loved and lived life with zest and embraced trials and victories with grace!

LaWanda will be remembered by many to be a little on the sassy side, which matched her red hair! But she loved with all of her heart and will be deeply missed each day.

She was preceded in death by her:

In-Laws, JT and Luevy Bell;

Parents, Virgil and Lucille George;

Beloved Husband, Kenneth Bell;

Sister, Marilyn Rodgers.

LaWanda leaves behind her loving family:

Daughter, Ambur Bell;

Son, Eric Bell and his wife, Melissa Bell

Granddaughter, Kathryn Olivia Edwards and her husband, Langston;

Granddaughter, Madeline Bell;

Granddaughter, Caroline Bell;

Granddaughter, Jacquelyn Ava Bell;

Great Grandchildren: Callum and Ruby Edwards;

Sister, Sonja Shockley and her husband, Gary.

Several extended family members and many dear friends.

Visitation will be held at Vondel L. Smith & Son Mortuary at South Lakes, 4000 SW 119th Street, 4-8 PM Tuesday with the family present to greet friends from 6-8 PM Tuesday at the funeral home.

Services to honor and celebrate LaWanda's life will be held 10:00 AM Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at Capitol Hill Assembly of God, 2400 S. I-240 Service Rd. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memory Gardens 500 S. W. 104th

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Royal Family Kids Camp #118 through Capitol Hill Assembly of God Church.