Julia Joan Jeanette (Wade) Bell, 87 of Riverside passed away at home on March 12, 2023 surrounded by family and loved ones.
Cremation has taken place per her wishes. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 25 at Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home in Coloma with visitation beginning at 11 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorials in Joan’s memory may be made to Caring Circle Hospice. Those wishing to share a message or memory with the family online may do so at www.duffieldpastrick.com.
Joan was born on Oct. 1, 1935 in Hayti, Missouri to Vida and Ted Wade. She graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1954.
Joan was very active in her community, serving on the Hagar #6 school board for over 30 years as well as being the president of North Berrien Senior Center for several years. Joan worked in Coloma City Hall and the Hagar Township Hall treasurer’s office and was truly a fixture to the communities. She will be missed by all who were lucky enough to have met her.
Joan is survived by her two sons, Thomas L. (Susan) and Rodney P., both of Benton Harbor; one grandson, Thomas L. II of Riverside; three step granddaughters, Amanda, Kylee (Scott) and Kori (Brandon); great-grandchildren Tyler, Breanna, Skyler, Tinley, Daxton, Gabby, Hunter and Kenlie; and great-great-grandchildren Bryson and Brodie. Also surviving is her sister Yvonne Beisel of Riverside.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Thomas W. Bell in 2016.