Town of Oak Island Remembers Former Council Member

Published on August 13, 2026

On Friday, August 7, 2026, former Town of Oak Island employee, and later Town Council Member, Sheila Mansfield Bell passed away while at Lower Cape Fear Hospice in Bolivia, NC.  At the request of Oak Island Mayor Chris Brown, flags at all Town Facilities have been flown at half-staff throughout this week. 

This Friday, August, 14, 2026 at 3:00 PM, a memorial service will be held at Peacock-Newnam and White Funeral Home in Southport. PLEASE NOTE: From 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM on Friday, Town Hall will remain OPEN; however, services may be limited as many staff are expected to attend this memorial service.

A Town Resident since 1982, Bell worked as the former Tax Collector for the Town of Oak Island before retiring at the end of 2014. She later went on to serve as a member of the Oak Island Town Council for eight years from 2015 - 2023.  During this time Sheila Mansfield Bell participated in a Town Council which oversaw a number of key accomplishments, including development of the Beach & Inlet Management Plan, adoption of a Comprehensive Land Use Plan, and launch of the highly successful Citizens Academy, among many others.

Sheila Mansfield Bell was 65 years old. As a further sign of remembrance, Town Staff, as well as all those who visit the Oak Island Town Hall on Friday are encouraged to wear her favorite color, RED. 

For more information on the memorial service, or where to send online condolences and memorial contributions, visit www.peacocknewnamwhite.com or click the link below.

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