Monette Alexander Bell, beloved wife, mother, grandmother (NaNa), and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully in Conroe, Texas, on November 5, 2025, at the age of 88. Born in Simsboro, Louisiana, on August 20, 1937.Monette’s life was a radiant testament to love, faith, and kindness.
Raised in Simsboro, Monette met her lifelong love, James Rex Bell, when they were just children—ages five and seven. Their bond blossomed into a beautiful romance as high school sweethearts, beginning their courtship at ages 14 and 16. They married on October 26, 1957, and celebrated 68 years of unwavering devotion and partnership.
Monette attended Louisiana Tech University and later dedicated her life to her family and community. She was a devoted homemaker and served as an Administrative Assistant at Westbury Baptist Church and Hale-Mills Construction. Her commitment to service extended into her retirement, where she volunteered weekly for ten years in the library of First Baptist Conroe and was an active member of Bible Study Fellowship.
Monette’s legacy is one of warmth, generosity, and faith. She was known for her infinite ability to love others, her gentle spirit, and her culinary gifts—especially her famous chocolate sheet cake and banana pudding. Though small in stature, she was a mighty matriarch whose kindness radiated and whose Christian faith was indestructible.
She is survived by her loving husband, James Rex Bell; her children, James Rex Bell, Jr. (Dana), Melissa Bell Thomas (Mark), and Suzanne Bell Opersteny (Doug); her grandchildren, Megan (Josh) Strickland, Mallory (Logan) Rowe, Madeline (Hunter) Soper, Monica (Matt) Harbin, Abby (Will) Stauber, Amy Opersteny, and Wesley Opersteny; twelve cherished great-grandchildren and her siblings Sue Gibson, Betty Knobloch, and Bill Alexander.
Monette was preceded in death by her parents, Jess Willard Alexander and Melva Cassie Alexander.
Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Visitation at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston, Louisiana on Monday, November 10, 2025 at 10:00 am, followed by a Graveside Service at Simsboro Cemetery at 11:30 am.. Donations can be made to Bible Study Fellowship or First Baptist Church Conroe.
