Joan Kendall Bell, 93, of Freeport, Florida, passed away on September 19, 2026. Born June 1, 1933, in Parkerville, Kansas, she was the daughter of Blanche and Ralph Kendall. Joan married Carl Everett Bell on June 13, 1953, and together they shared 70 years of devoted marriage.

Joan is survived by her daughters, Cynthia Diane Gervais, Kelli Lynn Akers (Johnny), and Lisa Anne Lawless (Floyd); six grandchildren, Elizabeth Cherise Delangis, Benjamin Daniel Gervais, Justin Ray Lawless, Ryan Grady Lawless, Andrea Nicole Poole, and Kendall Kristine Miller; and eighteen great grandchildren. Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Everett Bell, granddaughter Megan Crystal Gervais, and grandson Gabriel Blair Gervais.

Joan graduated from Miami Senior High School in 1951 and attended the University of Florida, where she was an active member of Delta Gamma Sorority, a commitment she carried throughout her life. It was at the University of Florida that she met Carl, whose military career took them around the world during their years of service and retirement.

She later pursued nursing, graduating from the Beth El School of Nursing in Colorado Springs in 1981. Joan continued her career with the Northwest Florida Home Health Agency in Fort Walton Beach, serving as Assistant Administrator until her retirement.

Joan was a member of Christ the King Episcopal Church in Santa Rosa Beach. Joan is remembered for her love of travel, passion for cooking and entertaining, sailing as a former member of the Fort Walton Yacht Club, her volunteer work with Caring and Sharing, and above all, her kindness, compassion, and devotion to family and friends.

A celebration of life will be held for Joan Kendall Bell at a later date and time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ the King Episcopal Church in Santa Rosa Beach or Caring and Sharing of South Walton.