Josephine E. Bell

Josephine (Jodie) Elizabeth George Bell passed away October 10, 2024, at Piedmont Henry Hospital with her daughter Deborah Blythers at her side. Jodie was born at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Covington, KY on August 1, 1937. She was the youngest of four children born to William Sr. and Lucille (Mockabee) George. Jodie loved to laugh, had a great sense of humor, and attended Lincoln / William Grant School in Covington, KY from kindergarten through 12th grade. She was a member of the High School Choir and Teen Hi-Y Club and graduated in 1955. She worked as a receptionist for a doctor’s office, a cashier and elevator operator at Coppins Department Store in Covington, KY, and was later promoted, becoming the first African American Merchandise Buyer for the store. She met and married Roland Renfro in 1958 and three children came from that union. She was a fan of R&B music and in her youth took piano lessons from Mrs. Mamie Merry, wife of the school principal. She played piano for the St. James A.M.E. Church for a time, while also singing in the church choir. She was an avid baseball enthusiast and die-hard Atlanta Braves fan. Jodie adored her grandchildren, (great- and great-great grands included) and cherished the time she spent with them. She enjoyed family outings and delighted in sharing stories from her childhood with close family and friends. She was predeceased by her parents William Sr. and Lucille George; sister, Margaret L. George Salter; brother, William A. George, Jr.; and brother Donald M. George, Sr. She is survived by her daughter, Deborah Blythers, Forest Park, GA; sons, Derrick Renfro Sr. (wife Jamesy), Jacksonville, FL, Clifford Renfro, Forest Park, GA, nine grandchildren, Deidrea Armstead (husband Jeff) Jacksonville, FL; Desiree Renfro, Jacksonville, FL; Derrick Renfro Jr., (wife Christina) Lima, OH; David Renfro Sr. (wife Tiffany) Jacksonville, FL; Carmen Gibson, Lima, OH; Brady Lawrence Jr. (wife Catherine), McDonough, GA; Tyrus Goggins, (wife Nanci), El Paso, TX; Chantessa Fogg, (husband Meisha) Stockbridge, GA; Darcell Goggins (deceased); 23 great-grandchildren, nine great-great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, close friends and extended family. Our thanks go out to the W. D. Lemon & Sons Funeral Home of McDonough, GA, for their service and support during this difficult time. Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on November 30, 2024, 1:00 pm at the Cozy Corner Banquet Room, 579 Garden Walk Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30349.

Josephine E. Bell

August 1, 1937 - October 10, 2024