Mildred Inez Bell Bivins departed this life for her heavenly home on Dec. 31, 2016.

She was born on Sept. 16, 1920, in Nelogney, Okla., and was the eldest of two children of the late Rev. Walter P. and Della Bell. 


Inez was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Sidney Rash Bivins, of Terrell, and son Carl Schwarzbach of Roanoke Rapids, N.C.


She is survived by her brother, L. Ferris Bell of La Jolla, Calif.; son Paul D. Bivins of Alabama; stepdaughter Susan Bivins Horne (Robert) of Virginia; grandchildren Camille Foster (Matt) and Emily Henley (Michael) of Virginia, Brittany Bivins and Austin Bivins of Alabama; and great-grandchildren Jackson Foster and Mason Henley of Virginia.



A member of World War II’s greatest generation, Inez served proudly as a Navy WAVE (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and was an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in her retirement.

She was a member of the Story League and the Business and Professional Women’s Club in Terrell.


Inez was a graduate of the University of Arkansas and Louisiana State University where she earned her master’s in social work.

She had a profound love for language and writing which was reflected throughout her life in her poetry writings.


She began her professional career as an English teacher, and upon moving to Terrell transitioned into her 35-year career at Terrell State Hospital as a psychiatric social worker.

She was a longtime member of Terrell Christian Church where she sang in the choir and was a faithful member and longtime teacher with the Crusaders Class. Funeral service will be at 11:30 a.m., Friday, Jan. 6, 2017, at Max Slayton Funeral Chapel with interment to follow at Oakland Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends beginning at 10 a.m. to service time.