Virginia Joan Bell was born in Norman, Oklahoma, to Marion Weatherbee "Jack" Bell and Mamie Louise Bell. She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Marion Weatherbee Jack Bell, Jr., and her nephew, Marion Weatherbee Jack Bell, III. She is survived by her daughter, Kathryn Glover Bishop, and her son-in-law, Gene Bishop, of Tulsa. She is also survived by her granddaughter, Christina Bishop Jackson, her grandson-in-law, Glen Jackson, and her two great-grandsons, Alex and Ryan Jackson, all of Tulsa. Joan also is survived by her nieces and nephew, Jan Bell Jones, David MacDonald Bell, Heather Bell Wheeler, Rebecca Bell Butler, and Diana Bell Bachellor and several great and great-great nieces and nephews.

Joan began her teaching career in Liberty, Oklahoma at the age of 19. She spent the rest of her career with Tulsa Public Schools and served as a teacher, counselor, assistant principal, and principal. She retired from Cooper Elementary School where she was the principal. Joan was an innovative educator and developed one of the first computer education labs for Tulsa Public Schools. After her retirement, Joan taught education classes for Langston University.

Joan was a loving and happy person. She loved animals, her students, and her friends and family. She was a talented pianist, organist and singer and could play almost anything on the piano by ear. We will miss her tremendously.

Visitation will be 5PM - 7PM, Thursday, September 17, 2026 at Moore's Southlawn, 9350 East 51st Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Service will be 2PM, Friday, September 18, 20226 at Memorial Park Cemetery Chapel, 5111 South Memorial Drive, Tulsa, Oklahoma.