Elnora Watson, affectionately known as “Nora” was born on January 21, 1937, in Doyline, Louisiana, to Jesse and Mary Watson. Elnora was the baby child of six children.
Elnora received her formal education and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Shreveport, Louisiana. While attending Booker T., she met her childhood sweetheart, Welton Bell. They were united in holy matrimony on August 5, 1952. In 1955, Welton enlisted into the United States Navy, and he was transferred to San Diego, California in 1962.
Although Elnora gave birth to eight children, she provided day care for many other children, including her own grandchildren. The children under her care grew up to be productive citizens of society and stayed in communication with her. She was stern in raising her children, as well as the others in her care. She strongly believed in children respecting adults, themselves, and was determined to bring out the best in them by any means necessary.
You did not have to wonder where she stood. She spoke her mind, although sometimes it was raw and direct. She was humorous and had a beautiful contagious smile. Some of her favorite sayings were, “Shut your mouth”, “I’m telling you direct, and in plain English”, “bless your heart”, and lastly, “I see you coming.”
She was such a nurturer and loving daughter, mother, sister, auntie, cousin, and friend to many. She always exhibited strength, class, grace, and elegance, while maintaining her sweet, sincere and plain-spoken personality. She loved to shop and was known as a fashionista. She ensured that she was presentable, from head to toe, on every occasion.
Nora united with Pilgrim Progressive Baptist Church in 1976, under the leadership of the late Dr. Marvin C. Hines, the late Rev. Joseph Foxworth and Rev. Donnell Townsend. She remained a faithful member until her health began to fail. She never complained but displayed courage and vigor.
On June 23, 2024, at 1:11AM., God called his angel home. Her heart was full of love, but not strong enough to continue this journey. Nora took her last breath on earth, and her first breath in heaven.
She was preceded in death by her husband, mother, father, sisters, brother, and daughter, Sheila Bell.
She leaves to cherish her memory daughters; Sandra Lynn Scully (Butch Scully) of Memphis, TN, Sharon Douglas of Dallas, TX, Mary Donald (James Martin), Janet Rene Henderson (James Henderson), and Danny Bell (Jenna Bell) of San Diego, CA, Charlotte Williams of Surprise, AZ, and Shanda Bell-Smith (Ralph Smith) of Ramona, CA, sister Omeria Coleman of Shreveport, Louisiana, fourteen grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends who will mourn her passing, yet celebrate her life.
FULL OBITUARY IS AVAILABLE ON ANDERSON – RAGSDALE MORTUARY WEBSITE
