CAROLYN McCASLIN BELL

A Life of Dedication and Joy

Carolyn McCaslin Bell, 81, of Fort Worth, Texas, peacefully passed away surrounded by family and friends on March 5, 2026. Born in Tyler, Texas, on January 29, 1945, to Arthur and Frances (Ginn) McCaslin, she was the oldest of three children. Carolyn graduated from John Tyler High School in 1963, where she excelled in academics, the arts, and sports. She ran track, played basketball, and cheered for her beloved Lions. Known for her spunk and spirit, she was voted “Best Dancer” her senior year, a fun honor reflecting her exuberance for life.

Carolyn attended Baylor University, where she met the love of her life, Edwin Gilbert Bell. They married on May 7, 1966, in Tyler, Texas. Shortly after their wedding, the newlyweds moved overseas to Worms, Germany, where Edwin served in the U.S. Army JAG Corps until his honorable discharge in 1968. After returning to the United States, the couple initially settled in Henderson, Texas. While Edwin started working for a law firm, Carolyn completed her degree in English at Stephen F. Austin University and began her teaching career. A few years later, they moved to Fort Worth, where they made their home and raised two daughters. Family was at the heart of Carolyn’s life. She believed in nurturing relationships and lovingly hosted numerous large gatherings, fostering connections across generations.

Alongside managing a busy young family, Carolyn was deeply involved in her church, education, and community service. Carolyn lived her life with a boldness that made her unforgettable. In a dealership full of cars, she would have been easily recognized as a bright red Corvette. She carried herself with confidence, independence, and a fearless sense of individuality that inspired those around her. That same spirit shaped how she showed up for her community. Carolyn firmly believed in speaking up, standing up for others, and working to make the world around her a better place.

Her dedication to service was evident in the numerous leadership roles and honors she received throughout her life. She dedicated her time and energy to organizations such as United Way’s A Better Childhood Task Force, Leadership Texas, the Fort Worth Housing Authority Board, and the Mayor’s Task Force on Infant Mortality. She also served as President of the Fort Worth Adolescent Pregnancy Board and the Tarrant County Citizens Crime Commission and held leadership positions within the Fort Worth Council of PTAs, where she was named a National PTA Honorary Lifetime Member. She was also elected Vice-President of the Fort Worth Independent School District Board of Trustees from 1988 to 1996.

Carolyn’s efforts to strengthen her community received widespread recognition from local and state leaders. The Zonta Club of Fort Worth named her Executive Woman of the Year, and Fort Worth Mayor Kay Granger declared March 11, 1992, as Carolyn Bell Day in honor of her civic leadership and service. She also received a Senate Proclamation from Texas Senator Mike Moncrief recognizing her contributions to Fort Worth and communities throughout Texas. Carolyn was appointed to several state commissions and advisory groups by Texas leaders, including Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock and Governors Bill Clements Jr. and Ann Richards, and later received a letter of appreciation from Governor George W. Bush for her service on the Academics 2000 Panel.

Carolyn enjoyed several hobbies, including gourmet cooking, painting, and horticulture. She had a keen sense of style and loved to travel. Carolyn and Edwin enjoyed time in Crest Butte, Colorado, with their “Texas Stars,” as well as special trips to Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Carolyn lived by the mantra “Oh Be Joyful,” embracing life with steadfast optimism. Her family and friends will always remember her contagious laugh and loving spirit.

Carolyn is survived by her husband, Edwin Bell, and their two daughters, Tracy Bell Fielder (Drew) and Mandy Bell Patty. She leaves behind grandchildren Zachary Fielder (Alicia), Brandon Fielder (Helen), Mamie Fielder (fiancé Aaron), Audrey, Luke, and Charlotte Patty, as well as great-grandson Declan Fielder. Her brother, Gary McCaslin (Jan), and sisters-in-law, Peggy McCaslin and Jean Bell. She is also survived by nieces and nephews Matt McCaslin (Melissa), Megan Broussard (Trevor), and Gracie Merrell (Jake), along with several other extended family members. Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Frances McCaslin, and her brother, Wayne McCaslin; her brothers-in-law, Tom Bell and Joe Bell, and Joe’s wife, Barbara.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at James L. West Center for Dementia for their loving care.

A Celebration of Her Life will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, March 21, at University Christian Church, 2720 S. University Drive.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Communities in Schools (cistarrant.org) and the Alzheimer’s Association (donorservices.alz.org).