Ola Mae Gilyard Bell, 84, a native and lifelong resident of Palatka, peacefully entered the sunset of life on Sunday, August 27, 2017 at her residence surrounded by her loving family. The daughter of Mathis and Leola (Adams) Gilyard, she was born on Monday, July 31, 1933. She was educated in the Putnam County School District at Central Academy High School. Sister Bell was a loyal, longtime member of Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church for over 40 years. Over the years, she faithfully served as Church Secretary, Choir member, and in the Women's Ministry. She was a Direct Service Aide for the Florida Department of Children and Families serving for 20 years before retiring on May 29, 1997. She subsequently worked for the ARC of Putnam County and Golden Corral Restaurant. Ola Bell had a special love for her family and truly enjoyed spending family time together. She was an avid gardener who also admired her cats.

In addition to her parents, "Ola Mae" was preceded in eternal rest by her husband, Carleto "Buster" Bell; sister, Dr. Ruth Lowe-Reaves; brothers, Major Gilyard and Mathew Gilyard, Sr.; granddaughter, Le'Deidra Allen; special cousin, Mother Permelia "P.E." Hardy.

She was the loving mother of 2 daughters and 2 sons: Cynthia A. Calloway, Palatka; Norma Jean (Oswald) Mobley-Span, Brockton, MA; Rory D. (Veronica) Jenkins, Sr., West Palm Beach; Eddie L. (Sabrina) Allen, Sr., Palatka; devoted grandmother of 12 grandchildren: Nina (Terry) Taylor, Lusby, MD; Tamekia Ford, Palatka, LaKisha Mobley, Chicago, IL; Eddie (Tameika) Allen, Jr., Jacksonville, Sevarrest (Kimberly) Allen, Orlando; Alicia Mobley, Brockton, MA; Learron Allen, Orlando; Rory D. Jenkins, Jr., Tallahassee; Malcolm Clemmons, Malik Clemons, both of Gainesville; Jatwan (Rolyah) Honor, Jasmine Honor, both of Palatka; and the loving great-grandmother of a host of great-grandchildren; sister-in-law of Betty Gilyard, Palatka; godmother of Vanessa Mack, Atlanta, GA; and leaves a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, other relatives and friends, especially her best friend forever, Claudette Hunter, East Palatka.

Visitation of family and friends will be 5-8 p.m., Friday, September 1st at "Flagg's Chapel of Serenity." Homegoing Celebration will be 11 a.m., Saturday, September 2nd, at Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church, 1501 Bronson Street, Palatka, Elder J.C. Tookes, Pastor, is the Eulogist. Bishop Gilbert L. Evans, Jr., Palatka House of God, presiding. Interment will be in Oak Hill West Cemetery.