Obituary for Margaret Kathryn McBride Bell, 1935–2022

Margaret Kathryn McBride Bell, 86, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away on May 23, 2022. She was born June 11, 1935 in White County, Tennessee to Joseph Lester and Maggie Dana Huddleston McBride. Kathryn grew up in Sparta, Tennessee, where she graduated from White County High School in 1953 and was captain of the cheer squad and yearbook editor. In later years she remained a leader in organizing alumni events. She married Lorie Fearon Bell on September 11, 1954. After moving to the Chattanooga area, she worked for the Hamilton County Clerk's Office, Hamilton County Health Department, Athletic Specialties, the Chattanooga Group, and owned and managed the Wedding Bells store in Red Bank, and was co-owner of the Christmas Bells store in Boaz, Alabama. She was also an active member of the Red Bank church of Christ for many years, teaching children's classes and participating in many activities of the church. Known to her family and friends as "Snookie", she was generous of heart, caring and giving, with her own unique sense of style from the way she dressed to the way she approached life.

Kathryn was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Lester McBride and Maggie Dana Huddleston Shinkle, her brother, Joseph McBride, and nephews Reese McBride and William "Bill" McBride.

She is survived by her husband, Lorie Bell of Chattanooga, son, Fleming (Penny) Bell, and grandchildren, Elizabeth Bell and Joseph Bell of Hahira, Georgia, as well as her sister Willowdene Ellis, and nieces Tamara Neely and Dana Ellis of Sparta, Tennessee, as well as other beloved in-laws, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, May 27, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of Hamilton Funeral Home with Ministers David Schonhoff, Steve Lusk and Tommy Stone officiating.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 27, 2022 from 11:00 to 1:00 p.m. prior to the service in the funeral home chapel.

Interment will follow at Preston Heights Cemetery in Quebeck, TN.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Red Bank Church of Christ, 3600 Dayton Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37415.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hamilton Funeral Home, 4506 Hixson Pike, Hixson (423) 531-3975.