Anna Eleanor Nichols Bell passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at St. Thomas Rutherford in Murfreesboro, TN. Mrs. Bell was born Oct. 18, 1932, in Cannon Co., TN. to Clayton Doak Nichols and Rena Mai Davenport Nichols.

Having been an angel on duty for the 93 years of her life, her Lord and Savior called her home for an eternal rest. Eleanor Bell experienced the ultimate happiness and joy as she welcomed each new addition to her family, while experiencing the sadness and loss of her husband, Bedford Forrest Bell, and three of her children, Ricky Lynn Bell, Jeffrey Nichols Bell and Forrest Timothy Bell.

However, this tiny woman kept moving forward with her life. Supported by her family, friends and church members, Eleanor became determined to experience and savor every ounce of enjoyment the world could offer.

As a student at Jones Chapel School on Pleasant Ridge, Eleanor was so determined to begin her education that she rode to school on horseback behind her aunt, Rilla Nichols, who was a teacher there. Graduating from Woodbury Central High School in 1951, Eleanor, like many other women in Cannon County, went to work for Colonial Shirt Factory. Eleanor's exceptional sewing skills shaped her career, including her work at Valdor Mfg. and Crane Interiors, before she retired in 2017. When not sewing at the factory, she dedicated her talents to creating handmade pieces for her family and friends at home. One could say she wasn't happy if she wasn't working.

Eleanor had a deep passion for horses, spending countless hours riding and caring for them. Well into her 80s, she could often be seen on horseback around Pleasant Ridge, where she was a familiar and cherished sight. Her love for horses culminated in a lifelong dream come true at the age of 86, when her devoted daughter, Rena, arranged for her to ride the trail along the edge along the dea
of the Grand Canyon—a memory she treasured deeply.

 Ms. Eleanor was a dedicated member of the Cannon County Walking Horse Association and was the Grand Marshall in 2012. A title she was so honored to receive. She was also instrumental in the making of the CCWHA History Book.  Eleanor was the oldest rider to participate in The Ride and with the oldest horse, her faithful steed, Commotion, age 33, which she raised since birth. She enjoyed many trail rides, including Bucksnort, Birdsong, Cordell Hull Dam, East Fork, Buffalo Trail Ride and Eminence, MO. trail rides.  Ms. Eleanor said what she loved most about riding horseback was “The freedom. It seems like your cares float away.”

In her later years, Eleanor discovered a love for traveling. In 1995, she embarked on a memorable trip to Kansas with her Nichols cousins to visit their relative, Faye Nichols Stuckey.
Subsequent journeys took her to Humboldt, Tennessee, to connect with more family. Among her most remarkable adventures was a trip to Italy and Switzerland in a journey that filled her heart with cherished memories to last a lifetime.

Eleanor was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church Woodbury for more than seven decades. She faithfully attended services three times a week for much of her life, forming enduring bonds with her church family. Even as her eyesight began to fail, she remained deeply connected to her faith and her beloved congregation.

It is without question that Eleanor will hear these words, "Well done, good and faithful servant...Enter into the joy of your Lord." Those who knew her and loved her will find peace in knowing she indeed will rest eternally in the arms of God. No lovelier rose could ever grow than that from the heart and soul of Eleanor Nichols Bell.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Bell was preceded in death by her husband, Bedford Forrest Bell; sons, Ricky Lynn Bell, Jeffrey Nichols Bell and Forrest Timothy Bell; great-grandson, Chase Lynn Bell; sister, Willie Ruth Nichols Mason; and brother, Douglas Bratten Nichols.

Survivors include daughter, Rena Bell Duggin (Alan); son, Clay Bell (Tracy), both of Woodbury; special daughter-in-law, Darlette Mathis of FL., grandchildren, Tim Bell (Diane), Dalton Bell (Karisa) and McClain Kell (Logan); step grandchildren, Randy and Amy; great-grandchildren, Bryson Bell and Nolan Bell; her friend of 80 years, Joann Smithson of McMinnville and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Her family will receive friends Thursday, February 26, 2026 from 4:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. 

Funeral services will begin at 10:0 A.M. Friday, February 27, 2026 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Dean Anderson and Bro. Bobby Nichols officiating.  Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery. 

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cannon Co. Walking Horse Association or the building fund at Woodbury First Baptist church.

 Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences and memories for her family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net