Graveside Services for Mrs. Opal Norris Bell, age 93, of Battle Creek, MI and formerly of Overton County will be conducted 11 a.m., Saturday, June 15, 2024, from the Green Hill Cemetery. Rev. Ron Roy will officiate.  The family will welcome friends at the graveside.

Mrs. Opal Norris Bell peacefully passed to her next life on April 16, 2024 at the age of 93.  Opal was born at home in Alpine, Tennessee on December 6, 1930, to the late Arlie Norris, Sr. and Maggie Beulah Norris.  She graduated from Livingston Academy in 1947 where she was a talented athlete and standout basketball player.  The award she received for being Female Athlete of the Year was one she continued to cherish throughout her life.

Immediately following graduation, Opal moved to Battle Creek, MI where she remained the rest of her life, though she always considered Tennessee to be home.  Always active, she formed a women's basketball team that was repeat champions for several years.  It was at one of these games that she met her future husband, Edward W. Bell.  They wed on November 22, 1952, and four years later added a daughter, Karen, to complete their little family.

As a member of First Presbyterian Church, Opal firmly believed in being of service to others.  She volunteered with the DAV Auxiliary, Community Hospital Auxiliary, was a Sunday school teacher, PTA officer, Girl Scout leader, coach and dedicated caregiver to family and friends.  Her quick wit, love and laughter, and kind heart made Opal an uplifting person to be around.

Opal Norris Bell was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother Arlie Norris, Jr., and sisters Mary Lucille Winton and Lois Crump.  She leaves a legacy through her daughter, Karen Hasler (Steve) of Troy, MI, granddaughters Amy Jones (Jeff) of Winfield, IL and Katie of Rochester Hill, MI.  Great grandchildren Carson and Maddie Jones were the absolute highlights of her life.  Opal is also survived by 2 nieces and 3 nephews.