Aretta Ann Lanham Bell, of Dunbar, WV, age 82, passed away on December 12, 2025 at CAMC Memorial Hospital, Charleston, WV.

Ann, as she was most commonly known, was born and raised in Charleston, WV, and graduated from Stonewall Jackson High School, Ann was always a vibrant and sassy individual, working full-time up until a week before her passing.  She had many credible accomplishments throughout her life. She was an area manager for Hot Spot Gaming establishments in Kanawha County.  Prior to that, she managed and operated Lanham Personal Care Home, established by her mother, and was in operation for 30 years.  She also worked as an accountant for FasChek Supermarket for numerous years.

Ann was a resident of Dunbar, WV, where she resided at the Dunbar Towers apartment complex, and was the Tenant President.  At least twice per month, she prepared dinners for the residential tenants, and ensured the Food Bank helped all tenants with their supplies as mandated.  Ann was a strong resident advocate, always assuring that all of their needs were met.  She hosted Senior Bingo at the complex for tenant recreation, and also enjoyed playing the game most of her life.

Ann was very strong-willed and considered to be a "Force of Nature" by many of her friends.  Nearing the end of her time, she lived life to the fullest in many ways, and enjoyed a planned cruise to the Caribbean only a few weeks prior to her death.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Dallas Texas Lanham and Viola Virginia Lanham of Charleston, WV; her brothers, George T. Lanham and Dannie K. Lanham both of Charleston, WV,
Natchee W. Lanham of Gold Town, WV, and Dallas W. Lanham of Richlands, NC; along with her brother-In-Law, Bruce Forester of Salisbury, MD.

Ann is survived by her children, John Owen Givens, III (Jennifer) of Charleston, WV,  Cynthia Ann Harris (Jerry) of Taylors, SC; and one single grandchild that was considered very special and dear to her heart, Jerry Allyn Harris, Jr. (Rachel) of Easley, SC.; two sisters, Iva Lou Lanham Forester of Salisbury, MD and Ida Mae Lanham (Paul) of Fayetteville, NC.;  four sisters-in-law, S. Jean Taylor Lanham and Yvonne Blankenship Lanham of Charleston, WV, Wanda Casto Lanham of Gold Town, WV,  and Melanie Hartleben Lanham of Richlands, NC.

The spirit and memory of Aretta Ann Lanham Bell will live on in the hearts and minds of those who knew her well.  May God's pure grace give comfort to the surviving family members that love, honor, cherish her memory.

Ann had previously arranged for her body to be cremated.

No private or public service has been scheduled at this time.

A special memorial service is being planned by the family for early to mid 2026.  Once planning has been completed a public notification will be posted in the obituary section of The Charleston Gazette-Mail.

Arrangements are in the care of Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.
www.kellerfuneralhome.net