Mildred L. Bell, age 80, of Searcy died Saturday, Feb. 26, 2005, in Searcy. She was born April 23, 1924 at Waxahache, Texas, to John Clifford Bell and Ineeta (Brooks) Bell. She was a member of the College Church of Christ and Chairman of the Home Economics Department at Harding University, where she taught for 31 years, before her retirement in 1987.

She is survived by one sister, Winnie Bell of Searcy; one brother, Robert William Bell of Waxahacie, Texas; and five nieces, Leslie, Judy, Jan, Susan, and Amy, as well as four foster nieces, Lana, Lynnette, Gwen, and Joann. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Clifford and Ineeta Bell.

Vistation and memorial service was Sunday, March 6 at the College Church of Christ in Searcy. Interment was at Bell's Chapel Cemetery in Waxahachie, Texas.

In a tribute to Mildred Bell in the Spring issue of Harding, Beth Wilson made the following statements: "Bell was a quiet, humble servant leader whose professional accomplishments were exceptional yet often undocumented. She had a passion for learning and expected the highest levels of scholarship from her students and faculty. She believed in hard work and stewardship. She never expected anything from others that she was not willing to do herself. We saw Bell 'walk the walk' daily. Giving to others was a constant in her life. Throughout the 35 years that she was professor and chair, she helped hundreds of students who needed tuition, books, food, gas, clothing or money for mission trips."

below are some tributes given by former students upon her retirement:

"I remember being invited to your home for a cozy tea at semester's end and your interest in all of us, your students". - Carol Allen Green '82

"Remember when I helped with your beginning clothing labs as an assistant? That experience helped me to win a graduate teaching assistantship at Florida State." - Stephanie Whitesel Johnson '85

Several people told me that the Home Economics Department really had a nice, relevant, and far-sighted chairman. I found you supportive, encouraging, and deeply dedicated." - Helen Minns '67

"Always remember that you really never retire, because what you've taught will continue for many, many years and lives will be affected beyond Harding." - Vicki (Bristow) Gallo '73

"Many good changes have taken place under your direction in the H.E. Department. You have been and outstanding teacher." - Bessie Mae Pryor '46

"You were an inspiration to us all. Your dedication came through in all areas and your christianity was so evident." - Reba Wayland Wood '67

"I always appreciated your teaching style. Since I am a procrastinator at heart, having a small quiz each class period forced me to keep up. Your tests were always straight forward and fair. I was so impressed with this that I adopted your teaching style in the nutrition classes I taught at Ohio Valley College." - Janis Vance Taylor '73

"I recall so well the nights I would walk from Sears dormitory to your apartment to get help with my knitting project. You were always so very patient and offered words of encouragement." - Shelly Luna Thomas '83

"I planned at the beginning to be a full-time homemaker. Instead of trying to steer me toward another direction, where I would make money, you encouraged me to devote myself and my abilities toward the greatest career of all - full-time homemaker." - Carol Rudolph '67

"Your care for each of us as individuals impacted our lives spiritually and academically. Thank you for your influence on me." - Cathy Miller Parkey '82

"There is no possible way to count how many lives you have influenced, either directly or indirectly. I know there will be many 'stars in your crown' because of your love for teaching and Home Economics." - Donna Perkey Helvering '75