Charlotte Ione Painter Bell
Probably Iris’ face was the first face I saw on this earth, as she left college to come home to help my mother with the birth of her 13th, child, me. Iris gave me my name, the “Charlotte” pronounced “Char lot” after one of the girls in her class, Charlotte Swarberg, and the “Ione” after another girl in her class, Ione Myrick. They were the honor students, and I believe Iris had high expectations of me. During these times, all children were born at home – and all 13 of our family were born at home. Of course there was a doctor present. My mother was very ill after my birth, and she was ill for a very long time. Iris and Howard, and of course my Father, took over the care of the baby so my mother could get well. The sacrifices that she and all of my family have made for me has been very appreciated by me. The slogan of the whole family seemed to be, “Be sure and take care of Charlotte. With their loving care, I have had a very good life. One of the last faces she saw while on her last flight here on earth was my face, and faces of my children, along with her brother Howard’s daughter. We all were with her and she will be with all of us forever. I have great appreciation for all of my family.