Mary Alene Bell

Mary “Alene” Bell, age 94, passed peacefully on January 27, 2022 in Rison, Arkansas.  Alene was born in Rison on May 7, 1927 to the late William Lee and Maude Parker Billings. She was a 1946 graduate of Rison High School.  On June 26, 1946, at age 19, she was united in marriage to William Thomas “Dub” Bell.  They were blessed with 63 years of marriage when Dub preceded her in death in 2009.

As a young girl, she loved riding horses. She was a faithful member of Bethel #1 Missionary Baptist church where she was very active in the women’s JOY class.  For over 20 years, she owned and operated Jennie’s Freeze King, a family restaurant that became locally famous for its delicious hamburgers and milkshakes. She had an unbelievable memory and will forever hold the title of the family historian. Alene loved spending time in the kitchen, preparing delicious meals for her family and friends. She enjoyed reading novels and traveling.

Alene was preceded in death by three brothers: Jamie Lee Billings, Parker Billings, and Charles “Buddy” Billings. She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer (Terry) Sipes of Rison, and three granddaughters: Brooke (Jason) Allison of Rison, Blair (Joe) Cook of Jonesboro, and Jena (Eric) Shepherd of Sheridan. She had 6 great grandchildren: Reid and Rhett Allison, Knox and Khloe Cook, and Sadie and Jack Shepherd. She was also survived by 3 siblings: Clifton Billings and Mary Frances Lewis of Rison, and W.M. Billings of Fordyce, and many nieces and nephews.

The visitation is scheduled for Sunday, January 30 from 2:00-4:00pm at Buie Funeral Home (302 North Main, Rison). The funeral service will be held at Bethel #1 Missionary Baptist Church (2230 Highway 35 North, Rison) on Monday, January 31 at 3:00pm with graveside to follow at Greenwood Cemetery. If desired, friends may make memorial contributions to Bethel #1 Missionary Baptist Church at the address listed above.