Bessie Mae (Wells) Noel

Bessie Noel, age 91, of Olney, Illinois went to be with Jesus on November 24, 2021 at Heartland Nursing and Rehab Center in Casey, Illinois.

Bessie was born on June 24, 1930 to Richard and Mabel Wells in Newcomerstown, Ohio.  After graduating in 1948 from Newcomerstown High School, she attended Olivet Nazarene College.  While at Central Ohio Campground in Columbus Bessie met Frank but was not sure about the young dark haired preacher.  But while at Olivet Nazarene College Frank won her over and they were married on June 24, 1949 at Newcomerstown, Ohio.  Bessie and Frank accepted the call into ministry while at Olivet.  Their first pastorate was at Pontiac Church of the Nazarene.  This was only the beginning as they pastored in thirteen states, building churches for the Kingdom for over fifty years of ministry.  Bessie did anything to assist Frank in the ministry.   She could be seen serving as Sunday School teacher, Song Leader, Choir Director, Pianist, Organist, Secretary, Janitor and even florist for couples getting married.  Bessie would do whatever it took for their ministry to be successful.  Bessie enjoyed reading, cross stitching, sewing, cooking (especially her homemade noodles), and entertaining and getting together with her family to celebrate whenever possible.

She is preceded in death by her parents Richard and Mabel (Boone) Wells, siblings Wayne Wells and Paul Wells, her husband Frank Noel and her daughter Barbara Eldridge.

During this time of their lives, they had four children, Daniel Noel (Karen) of Coatesville, Indiana, Martha Wagner (Ron) of Mahomet, Illinois, Darlene Walker (Jeff) of Olney, Illinois and Barbara Eldridge (deceased).  Bessie was blessed with six grandchildren, Shaun Noel, Lori Ann Dickerson, Niki Dodge, Carrie Eldridge, Elizabeth Sparks and Sarah Wagner, along with ten great grandchildren.  Bessie always showed love for her family and pride for their accomplishments.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 27, 2021 at Crest Haven Memorial Park Chapel, 7573 East Illinois 250, Claremont, Illinois with Pastor Jon Lilly officiating.  Burial will follow in the Crest Haven Memorial Park, Claremont, Illinois.  Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. prior to the service on Saturday at the Chapel.  Per CDC Guidelines indoor masks and face coverings are required regardless of vaccination status in the facility.  Attendees should also practice social distancing. 

Memorial donations in her honor may be made to Ohio Christian University Music Department (formerly Circleville Bible College), 1476 Lancaster Pike, Circleville, OH 43113.

To view the full obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle or post photos, visit www.markwellfuneralhome.com.  Markwell Funeral Home of Casey, IL is in charge of the arrangements.

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