Mrs. Jewell Bell Rook, 79, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Feb. 25, 2009, at River Region Medical Center. Visitation will be at noon Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009, at Glenwood Funeral Home, Vicksburg, with the funeral service following at 2 p.m. Burial will be at Green Acres Memorial Park.

Jewell was born March 22, 1929, in Vicksburg to Emmett and Gertrude Davis Bell. She lived a life dedicated to her family and her Lord. She was the proudest mother in the football stadium and a wonderful grandmother. She was also the best mother-in-law a daughter-in-law could pray for.

Jewell worked hard and sacrificed much for her sons. She raised two of the finest men we will ever know. She worked at Waterways Experiment Station for 30 years as a budget assistant. She also ran an accounting and tax preparation service for many years.

She was a member of Highland Baptist Church. Prior to joining Highland, she was a member of First Methodist Protestant Church, where she taught Sunday school and served in many other areas of the church.

Jewell was preceded in death by her parents, Emmett and Gertrude Davis Bell; her first husband, Ernest Clyde Pierce; her second husband, Finley L. Rook; and her nieces, Beverly Bell, Tricia Bell and Amy Holtslander.

She is survived by her two wonderful sons and daughters-in-law Michael and Melinda Pierce of Mobile, Ala., and Wayne and Donna Pierce of Clinton; her beautiful grandchildren, Deke, Mattea, Eli and Wyatt Pierce of Mobile and Parker and Mattie Grace Pierce of Clinton; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Dorothy and Fred Wells of Vicksburg and Frances and Ed Holtslander of Natchez; and her brother and sister-in-law, John and Joan Bell of Vicksburg.

Pallbearers will be Henry Wells, David Wells, Robert Wells, Gil Lovelady, Terry Lovelady and Eric Wooley.

Honorary pallbearers will be Fred Wells, George Wells, Janice Wells Brewer and Debra Bell Baylor.

Our family would like to thank all at First Methodist Protestant Church, who delivered meals to Jewell for the last several years, especially Linda Hull. We would like to thank Cynthia Morgan at the Piggly Wiggly for the kindness and all the groceries delivered to Jewell’s home. To Dr. Tom Sligh, for all he has done for Jewell over the last years, for helping our family through a very tough time and respecting our wishes. Thank you to the nurses on the 5th floor at River Region Hospital for your kindness and tender care you gave to our mother. What a blessing! Lastly, a very special thank you to Jewell’s dear friend, Flora Allison, for always being there for her.

In lieu of flowers, Jewell has requested donations be sent to the Beverly and Tricia Bell Memorial Fund at First Methodist Protestant Church, 500 Porters Chapel Road, Vicksburg, MS 39180