Lizabeth Bates Bell, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Saturday, March 29, 2025 in Texarkana, Ark.
Liz was born in Hopkinsville, Ky., on June 27, 1935, to Oscar Eugene Bates Jr. and Vivian Abney Bates. Liz lived a life marked by compassion, determination, and unwavering love for her family and community.
Liz earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Tulsa University, then later earned a Master of Education in Special Education from Henderson State University. Her passion for education and advocacy was deeply personal. After the birth of her son Patrick, who had Down Syndrome, Liz recognized the need for a place where children like him could receive the care and support they deserved close to home. With the help of many other concerned community members and mothers, she helped establish what would become the Howard County Children’s Center in 1971. Her efforts created a lasting legacy of care and opportunity for children and adults with special needs in Howard County.
Her dedication and service to others did not go unnoticed. In 1975, Liz was honored as Citizen of the Decade, recognizing her profound impact on the lives of those around her. In 1980, she received the Exceptional Accomplishment Award from the Arkansas Community Development Program for her outstanding service to the community in which she lived.
Liz was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Dean Bell; her daughter, Julia Fatherree; and her son, Patrick Backus.
She is survived by her sons, Charlie Backus (Janice) of Broken Arrow, Okla., and John Backus, of Tulsa, Okla.; her cherished grandchildren, Jasper Fatherree (Robin) of Lockesburg, Ryan Backus of Tulsa, Okla., Christina Lawrence (Adam) of Tulsa, Okla., Kristen Vasquez (Jay) of Talequah, Okla., Lauren Thompson (Spencer) of Bixby, Okla., and Alyssa Tidwell (Lorenzo) of Tulsa, Okla.; as well as many precious great-grandchildren, and numerous beloved friends.
Liz’s legacy of love and service will continue on in the many lives she touched. A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, April 12th, 2025, at 2 p.m. Graveside at Mineral Springs Cemetery A reception will follow for everyone at Mineral Springs United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Howard Country Children’s Center, 1577 Hwy. 371 W., Nashville, AR 71852.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to The Cottages of Texarkana and Dierksen Hospice for the compassionate care they provided. They would also like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Liz’s dear friends who called, wrote letters, and helped take her to her appointments. Your kindness and support meant the world to her and will always be deeply appreciated
