Myra Francois Bell
Obituary

On Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 3:24 in the afternoon, surrounded by the love she had spent a lifetime giving to others, Myra Rosaldo Francois Bell peacefully departed this world after a courageous battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). She was 55 years old.

Born on January 7, 1971, in San Diego, California, to Larry G. Francois and Francisca B. Francois, Myra entered the world with a gentle spirit that would become the defining characteristic of her life. Though beautiful in every outward sense, it was her inner grace that people remembered most. She possessed a calm and reassuring presence that immediately put others at ease. Her smile could brighten a room, her laughter could soften the hardest day, and her kindness had a way of making every person feel valued and seen.

Myra was educated in the San Diego public schools and later attended La Jolla Muir University. She was baptized at St. Rita Catholic Church in San Diego, where she began a lifelong journey of faith, reflection, and service to others. Throughout her life, spirituality remained a cornerstone of her character, later finding expression through her devoted practice with Soka Gakkai International-USA (SGI-USA), whose principles of compassion, courage, and human dignity reflected the way she naturally lived her life.

To know Myra was to know genuine kindness. She was intentionally thoughtful—the kind of person who remembered small details that others overlooked. She never gave gifts casually; she selected them with care, meaning, and love. She listened deeply, cared sincerely, and carried herself with a rare combination of humility, intelligence, elegance, and quiet strength. Friends often found themselves sharing their hearts with her because she had the remarkable ability to make people feel understood without judgment.

Professionally, Myra was accomplished, respected, and admired. She worked for Hilton, where her dedication, professionalism, and strong work ethic earned the respect of colleagues and peers. Later, alongside her husband, Thomas Bell, and business partner Barika Phillips Bell, she co-founded B3 Media Solutions, serving as Chief Financial Officer. Through vision, discipline, and perseverance, she helped build the company into a respected enterprise specializing in social intelligence reporting, digital market research, and brand analytics. She took immense pride in helping create something meaningful while maintaining the integrity and values that guided every aspect of her life.

Yet among all her accomplishments, her greatest achievements could never be measured by titles or business success. Her greatest joy was her family.

As a wife, Myra was the embodiment of unconditional love and unwavering partnership. She married Thomas R. Bell Jr., and together they built a life rooted in loyalty, laughter, faith, and devotion. She was Thomas's confidant, greatest supporter, and constant source of strength. Through life's victories and challenges, she remained his anchor—a steady presence whose love never wavered. Whether offering wise counsel during difficult moments or simply sharing a quiet evening together, Myra brought comfort, peace, and joy to their marriage. Thomas often reminded himself how fortunate he was to walk through life beside her.

Barika held a particularly special place in Myra’s heart. Her devoted partner and chosen family, whose devotion to Myra was without condition or limit, Barika loved and cared for her with extraordinary tenderness—a partner to her nearly every day, and a caregiver who stood alongside Thomas through every difficult season. Myra loved her back with equal depth and made certain she knew it. When Barika’s daughter Naiyah was born—the first girl in their family—Myra stepped into her life with open arms and an open heart, becoming her Nanang, the Tagalog term of endearment for a beloved mother figure. 

As a mother, Myra's love knew no limits. Her son, Jai Alexander Francois-Bell, was among her greatest blessings and proudest accomplishments. She celebrated every milestone, every achievement, every performance, and every dream. She delighted in watching her children grow, compete, and discover who they were becoming. She nurtured them not only with love but with patience, wisdom, and example.

Myra's home reflected the beauty she cultivated in every area of her life. She loved traveling and exploring the world, creating cherished memories with family and friends. She found peace in tending her garden, transforming ordinary spaces into places of beauty and comfort. Her home became a sanctuary—a reflection of her warmth, hospitality, and gift for making others feel welcome.

She was preceded in death by her beloved father, Larry G. Francois.

She leaves to cherish her memory and continue her legacy of love:

Her devoted husband, Thomas R. Bell Jr.;

Her beloved son, Jai Alexander Francois-Bell;

Her devoted partner, Barika Phillips Bell;

Her special son, Andre' Bell;

Her special daughter, Naiyah Bell;

Her loving mother, Francisca "Fran" Francois;

Her sister, Rochelle Francois;

Her brothers, Roger B. Francois (Heather), Antoine Francois (Holli), and Andrew Francois;

Along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, treasured friends, colleagues, fellow SGI practitioners, and all whose lives were enriched by knowing her.

The loss of Myra leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who loved her. Yet even in grief, her family finds comfort in knowing that the love she gave continues to live on. It remains in every lesson she taught, every life she touched, every kindness she extended, and every memory she leaves behind.

The world is quieter without her calming voice.

It is less bright without her radiant smile.

But it is infinitely better because she was here.

Her life was a testament to grace, compassion, resilience, and love. Though she is no longer physically present, the beauty of her spirit remains woven into the lives of everyone she touched.

And in the hearts of those who knew and loved her, Myra's light will shine forever.

Celebration of Life and Legacy

Myra Rosaldo Francois Bell

Graceful • Joyful • Loving • Kind

January 7, 1971 – June 17, 2026

"The measure of a life is not in the years we live, but in the love we leave behind."

Acknowledgments

The Bell and Francois families wish to express their heartfelt gratitude for the many acts of kindness, prayers, expressions of sympathy, visits, calls, messages, meals, flowers, and unwavering support shown during this time of profound loss.

Your compassion has provided comfort beyond words and serves as a reminder of the many lives Myra touched throughout her journey.

We are deeply grateful.

Miss Me, But Let Me Go

When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me,
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room;
Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little—but not too long,
And not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared;
Miss me, but let me go.

For this is a journey we all must take,
And each must go alone.
It's all a part of the Master's plan,
A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick at heart,
Go to the friends we know,
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds;
Miss me, but let me go.