Oak Island remembers former council member Sheila Mansfield Bell

OAK ISLAND, NC — The Town of Oak Island is remembering former employee and Town Council member Sheila Mansfield Bell, who died Friday, Aug. 7, at Lower Cape Fear Hospice in Bolivia. She was 65.

At the request of Oak Island Mayor Chris Brown, flags at all town facilities have been flown at half-staff throughout the week in Bell’s memory.

A memorial service is scheduled for 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, at Peacock-Newnam and White Funeral Home in Southport.

Oak Island Town Hall will remain open from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Friday, but town officials say services may be limited as many staff members are expected to attend the memorial service.

Bell had been an Oak Island resident since 1982. She worked as the town’s tax collector before retiring at the end of 2014.

She later served eight years on the Oak Island Town Council, from 2015 through 2023.

During her time on council, Bell was part of the board that oversaw several initiatives, including the development of the Beach & Inlet Management Plan, adoption of a Comprehensive Land Use Plan and launch of the Citizens Academy.

As another tribute to Bell, town staff and visitors to Town Hall on Friday are encouraged to wear her favorite color, red.

Information about the memorial service, online condolences and memorial contributions is available through Peacock-Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service.