Martha L. Bell

Martha Lou Haynes "Marti" Bell, 89, died peacefully on October 14, 2023 surrounded by family. Marti was born in Lake Worth, Florida on October 18, 1933. She enjoyed her high school years where she was a popular member of the class of 1951. She was a majorette, skilled baton twirler and member of the Glee Club. She received a full scholarship to Stetson University to major in Voice as a soprano. After high school, she worked at Pratt and Whitney where she met and married Nick Bell, the love of her life. Marti lived her life as a cherished wife, loving mother, devoted friend, and generous community member. She served as President of the Tampa Junior Woman's Club. An enthusiastic entertainer and hostess, she learned provincial French, Italian, and Cuban cooking. She was skilled in South Florida cuisine, Low Country and traditional Southern fare and she was always excited to challenge herself, her Tennessee mountain boy husband and her children to new foods and ideas! They were, mostly, happy about that. She enjoyed creating beautiful table settings using the extensive collections she gathered while traveling the world with Nick. To be a guest at her table was always a delightful adventure.

Marti loved music and was an accomplished dancer with an interest in everything from ballroom to shag, pop/rock and disco. She was a talented fabric artist, designing and creating exquisite clothing, quilts, art pieces, dolls and décor. This interest led her to learn fine hand sewing, applique, tatting and French knot embroidery. She took great joy in sharing her many interests and talents with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, spending time and making memories, reading, gardening, painting, singing, dancing, loving and creating. She was a longtime Fairy Godparent Supporter of The Savannah Children’s Theatre, believing that theater benefits the whole child. She was always excited to get dressed up and attend the performances of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She never missed an opportunity to boast about the artistic talents of her father, brothers and grandchildren to everyone she met and was so proud of them all!

Marti will be remembered as the epitome of class, fanciful, full of fun and unconditional love, often described as the “sweetest lady ever.”

She is survived by her daughters, Julie Jordan and Suzanne Bell Findley (John); and step-daughter, Jan Horner (Duane); brother, Eugene M. Haynes (Diane); nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 years, Nickey Elmer Bell; parents, Wiley T. and Juanita Kerce Haynes; son, Kirk Marshall Betz; and brother Richard W. Haynes.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 26, from 12:00 until 1:00 p.m., immediately followed by a memorial service at Baker McCullough Funeral Home, Hodgson Memorial Chapel (7415 Hodgson Memorial Drive Savannah, GA 31406).


Interment will be held on Friday, October 27, at 10:00 a.m. at Beaufort National Cemetery where she will be laid to rest with Nick.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The Savannah Children's Theatre (2160 East Victory Drive, Savannah GA 31404 or https://www.savannahchildrenstheatre.org/donate-1 ). Please notate In Memory of Marti Bell so the family can acknowledge your generosity.