Patricia Bell

Patti Alsop Bell, 74, our beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, went to be with our heavenly Father at 6:55 a.m. CST on Tuesday, September 13, 2011. She was 74 years old and resided at 220 N. 5th St., Vincennes.Born on February 18, 1937, in Vincennes, she was the daughter of T. Ralph Alsop and Charleeness "MiMi" Alsop.Mrs. Bell graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1955, receiving a Distinguished Alumni Award in 1999. She earned her A.A. Degree in 1957 from Gulf Park Junior College for Women in Gulfport, MS, where she was voted "Miss Gulf Park." Her B.S. Degree was from Indiana University's School of Education in 1959, and she belonged to Pi Beta Phi Sorority. While teaching in Illinois, her Masters Degree in Elementary Education was completed at the University of Southern Illinois.From 1959-1981, Mrs. Bell taught in Sunrise, FL. In 1979, she was presented the Humanities Award from the Classroom Teachers Association of Broward County, FL, for her work with minorities. She returned to Vincennes in 1983 and retired in 1994 from the Vincennes Community School Corporation as a kindergarten teacher at Vigo Elementary School after a teaching career of 32 years. Mrs. Bell's church family was St. John's United Church of Christ. She loved being with her family and friends. Other favorite pastimes of hers were watching college basketball games on TV, especially IU, traveling, music and reading.Also, she was a member of the Knox County Retired Teachers' Association, Indiana Retired Teachers' Association, Lincoln High School Academic Society and Vincennes Education Association. She was awarded several honors for her excellence in the education field, her devotion to all children and her community service.She helped found and co-chaired the Knox County Child Abuse Prevention Council, being chosen as the recipient of the first "Friend of the Child" Award from the organization. Mrs. Bell co-authored a book, Through the Cracks, that was a true account of the horrendous child abuse and murder of 5 year old Amy Shipley. She was active from the beginning of the Knox County Relay for Life in 1995, received the 2005 Hall of Fame Award from the American Cancer Society, and for 30 years fought her many battles with cancer by continuing to inspire by displaying courage and a positive attitude.Mrs. Bell was presented an outstanding service award in elementary education by Phi Delta Kappa, a "Golden Apple" award in 1993 from Channel 10 WTHI-TV, and an Outstanding Citizens award from the National Flag Celebration, Inc. The Modern Woodsman of America honored her as did her selection for the Spirit of 76 Award on July 4, 1995. She was the 1999 Indiana Retired Teachers' Association State Winner for Volunteer Services to her community.Surviving are her two sons, Dr. Brent Bell of Houston, TX and Chad Bell of Evansville, and her granddaughter, Emerson Bell.Friends may attend visitation at Goodwin Funeral Home on Friday, September 16 from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. Also, from 8:30 a.m. until the service time on Saturday.The funeral "to celebrate Mrs. Bell's life" at Goodwin Funeral Home will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday with Rev. Dr. Kate Lambertson officiating. A private graveside service will follow. She will be laid to rest in Fairview Cemetery.Memorial contributions for Patti Bell may be made to the Knox County Relay for Life at the funeral home. A statement from Patti Bell's sons, Brent and Chad: Our mother lived to the very end with zest and hope. You too should live your life the "Patti Bell" way each and every day. Our grandfather called her America's Sweetheart. We called her friend and would like to personally thank all of those who so diligently helped our family and our mother at the end of her life. She remains an icon in all of our lives forever.Online condolences may be sent through www.goodwinfamilyfh.com