Ann Bell

Ann Gardner Barton Bell, 75, died Friday, October 23, 2026, at MUSC Health Medical Center Lancaster. Service time will be announced by Barron Funeral Home.

Born May 13, 1951 in Chester, SC, Ann was a daughter of the late Walter Marlon Barton and Gladys Inez Gardner Barton. She was a graduate of Chester Senior High School and Chester County Hospital School of Nursing. Ann was a registered nurse and also the owner and operator of her local cloth shop in Chester. She worked with Sandra Luner at "The Blossom Shop" in Chester and later with Kanawha Insurance. Ann then became co-owner and operator of Bells Auto Body Repair. She was also a founding member of the Grady A. Bell Foundation. Ann was of the Christian faith.

She is survived by two sons, Walter Brady Bell and Benjamin Grady Gardner Bell both of Chester, SC; one sister, Marian Barton Elliott (Wayne) of Chapin, SC; a niece, Mary Kathryn Wadford (Chad) of Irmo, SC; a great nephew, Troy Marion Wadford of Irmo, SC; numerous cousins; adopted daughter, Leslie Wade (Keith); Dale Wingate and Linda Farmer whom she loved as sisters; and special friends, Randy and Jamie Williams.

In addition to her parents, Ann was preceded in death by her husband of over 49 years, Grady A. Bell, Jr.; her grandparents; her business partner, John Taylor (Frankie); and her close friends, Ailene Bigham Meek, Sylvia Robertson and Johnny Etters.

Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, 950 W. Faris Rd., Greenville, Sc 29605 of Chester Freedom Ministries, 729 Village Dr., Chester, SC 29706.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.barronfuneralhome.com.