Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Martha Jean Bell Tucker McBride, 87, of Bainbridge, Ga., passed away at Memorial Manor on Sunday, February 27, 2022.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 3, 2022, at Brinson Baptist Church with Rev. Jamie McMillan officiating. Interment will follow at Brinson Cemetery with Ty Bell, Terry Bell, Francis McCall, Michael Waddell, Ken Wacaser, and Garrett Wacaser serving as active pallbearers.

Due to the ongoing concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, those attending are asked to maintain the recommended safe social distancing of six feet and/or wear protective masks in accordance with the State of Georgia guidelines.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 2, 2022, at Ivey Funeral Home. Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.iveyfuneral.com.

Memorial donations may be made to Brinson Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 693, Brinson, GA 39825.

Martha Jean Bell was born November 23, 1934, in Brinson, Ga., the daughter of Harry and Lillie Mae Tyson Bell. Jean grew up with eight siblings and enjoyed the love of a large, closely knit family throughout her life. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Bainbridge, Ga., for many years, enjoyed singing in the choir, and organizing dinners for bereaved families. She is remembered fondly as a Girl Scout leader for a local troop. A dedicated mother and housewife, her five daughters were the center of her life. Looking after grandchildren, nieces, and nephews brought her great joy. “Miss Jean” was loved for her sweet nature and gentleness. Known as “Nana” not only to her family, but to friends and neighborhood children. She was always generous with hugs, big smiles, and Kool-Aid. The back door was always open.

Survivors include her children, Peggy Wacaser of Fair Oaks Ranch, TX, Wanda Pinkard of Panama City, Fla., Charlotte Fleming of Bainbridge, Ga., Kathy Tucker of Bainbridge, Ga., and Jill Alvarez (Nelson) of Jasper, Ga.; her siblings, Linda Faircloth of Bainbridge, Ga., Melba Earnest (Glenn) of Brinson, Ga., and Tommy Bell (Sherry) of Brinson, Ga.; her sisters-in-law, Terry Bell of Bainbridge, Ga., and Theresa Bell of Brinson, Ga., Janet Bell of Panama City, Fla.; 13 grandchildren, Melanie Fleming Feliz (El), Garrett Wacaser (Judith), Kelly Wacaser Stewart (Ryan), Kenneth Wacaser (Amy), Stephen Lane, Lesley Lane Carter (Ryan), Amanda Hodge Blocker, Richard Alvarez (Betty), Katelyn Alvarez, Diana Glezman (Dustin), Jamie Henley (Daniel), Maranda Justice, and Wally Meredith (Jessica); 23 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jean was preceded in death by her husbands, Alvis James Tucker and Anthony Wayne McBride; her siblings, Helen Waddell, Wayne Bell, Tyson Bell, Benny Ray Bell, and Gloria Bell; and her grandson, Huey Carlton Lane, III.