Nancy "Belle" Driskell

Nancy “Belle” (Pemberton) Layman-Driskell daughter of Matt and Hester (Harper) Pemberton was born June 13, 1924 in Brumley, Missouri and departed this life on Monday, April 1, 2013 at the Missouri Baptist Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri at the age of 88 years, 9 months and 18 days. Belle attended George School for the first eight years, and then transferred to Richland for the next three years, completing her senior year in 1943 at Brumley. Belle furthered her education attending SMS College and taught at Lee School for one year. Belle made a profession of faith by accepting Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior as a young girl. She was a faithful member of Concord Christian Church. Belle loved her Lord and spent her life seeking out His will for her life. In 1945 Belle married Winfred Layman. Though their time together was brief, God blessed the couple with one child, Gary, before Winfred passed away in November of 1947. However, God had a plan, and loved blossomed once again for Belle, and in 1951 she married Frank Driskell. Together they shared over 35 years of marriage and the blessings of 3 more children, Mary, Ronnie and Shirley. Frank passed away in February of 1986. Belle was a hard working woman whether in, or out of her home, always keeping busy. Over the years she taught school, worked for the International Shoe Company, Ft. Wood guest houses, H.D. Lee, and finally, caring for the elderly with Missouri Home Care. Belle greatly enjoyed working in her yard and gardens, raising flowers and vegetables, which she liked to can. She also liked to sew and read in the quiet moments of her life. However, spending time with her beloved family and friends was where Belle found her greatest joy. Belle was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands Winfred Layman and Frank Driskell, three brothers: Furrell McCrory, Clark and Champ Pemberton; four sisters: Flo Roam, Chlo Cochran, Nell Marie Pemberton and little Mattie Gleda Pemberton; one daughter-in-law: Joyce Driskell. Belle is survived by her 4 children: Gary Layman (Christine) of Milford, DE; Mary (Ron) Leonard, Ronnie Driskell and Shirley Lopez all of Richland, MO; one sister: Lucille Lawrence of Richland, MO; 7 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, special nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Belle was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, friend and caring neighbor. We will miss her presence and beautiful smile, however, today we celebrate her life and will treasure the many wonderful memories she has created with her family and friends. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, April 4, 2013, in the Memorial Chapel of Richland with Bro. Lee Todd officiating. Ashley Braithwait read a special poem she had written for her grandmother. Special music was provided by the Singing Lawrence Sisters, songs included were, “How Beautiful Heaven Must Be”, “Where the Roses Never Fade”, and “In the Garden.” Other favorite songs played included, “When He was on the Cross I Was on His Mind” and “Thank You.” Serving as escorts were Israel Lopez, Jesse Simkins, Zacharey Stafford, Adam Braithwait, Anthony P. Bennett and Billy Dean Webster. Honorary escorts included Billy Joe Van Sant, Mark Lawrence, David Miller, Steve Stafford, Dave Rodden, Joe Lopez, John Roam, Linus Conrad, Larry Endeman, and Matthew Lawrence. Burial followed in the Concord Cemetery near Crocker, Missouri. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Nancy "Belle" Driskell to the Concord Cemetery Fund. Online condolences may be sent to memorialchapelsandcrematory.com

Nancy "Belle" Driskell

June 13, 1924 - April 1, 2013