Dessie Bell

Blessed are those that mourn, for they will be comforted.  Matthew 5:4

Mrs. Dessie Bell, affectionately known as “Det,” was born on May 15, 1944, in the Mt. Calvary community of Horry County. She was the sixth of eleven children born to the late T.C. Pratt and Emma Dozier Pratt.

Dessie Lee was a devoted wife, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. Her dedication to her family was unwavering, and she cherished the deep bonds she shared with them. No matter the distance, she made it a priority to travel back to South Carolina to spend meaningful time with her loved ones.

She graduated from Chestnut Consolidated School in 1963. Shortly after, on January 31, 1964, she married the love of her life, the late Dennis Bell. Together, they shared more than 30 years of marriage. Dessie worked faithfully as a presser at Riverview Sportswear for over 25 years.

She was preceded in death by nine siblings: Ethel Wilson Bellamy, Robert Charles Wilson, Henry Pratt, Ardell Pratt, Robert Thomas Pratt Sr., Redessa Pratt, Freddie Mae Martin, Hattie Pratt, and Tommy Harrison Pratt.

Left to treasure her memory are her brother, Freddie Pratt (Amy) of Columbia, SC; four sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Wilson of Miramar Beach, Florida, Betty Pratt of Camden, New Jersey, Agnes Tanksley of Sicklerville, New Jersey, and Hazel Bell of Loris, SC; one brother-in-law, Rev. Paul Bell (Annie) of Tabor City, NC; She dearly loved all of her nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in her heart. She also leaves behind a host of relatives and friends who will fondly remember her.

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