Oak Island honors former council member Sheila Mansfield Bell’s legacy

OAK ISLAND, NC (WWAY) — The Town of Oak Island is remembering former Town Council member and longtime employee Sheila Mansfield Bell, who died Aug. 7 at the age of 65.

Mayor Chris Brown requested that flags at all town facilities be flown at half-staff throughout the week in her honor.

A memorial service for Bell will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, at Peacock-Newnam & White Funeral Home in Southport.

Town officials said Oak Island Town Hall will remain open during the service, but operations may be limited from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. as many employees are expected to attend.

Bell had been an Oak Island resident since 1982. Before serving on the Town Council, she worked as the town’s tax collector and retired from that position at the end of 2014.

She then served on the Oak Island Town Council from 2015 to 2023, helping guide several major initiatives, including the development of the Beach & Inlet Management Plan, adoption of the town’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan and the launch of the Citizens Academy.

As an additional tribute, town staff and visitors to Town Hall on Friday are encouraged to wear red, Bell’s favorite color.

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