Bella Grace Wardlaw, 13, of Phoenix, Arizona, formerly of Rome, Georgia, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, February 23, 2026. Born March 29, 2012, in Rome, Bella was the beloved daughter of Andrew David Wardlaw and Beth Lumpkin Wardlaw.
A student at Hillcrest Middle School, Bella’s artistic gifts and love of music were evident in everything she created. She brought joy to those around her with a bright smile and an infectious laugh. Bella enjoyed playing flag football with Core 5, collecting pictures of sunsets, and had a tender affection for all kinds of flowers. She was an active member of the youth group at Pure Heart Church and is now rejoicing in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
She is survived by her parents, Beth and Andrew Wardlaw of Phoenix; her siblings, Kaleb Bowen and Shyann Wardlaw; grandparents David and Linda Wardlaw and Clint Lumpkin; her Meme, Kathleen Lumpkin; and her aunt and uncle, Faith Wolfe (Chris) and Jason Brown. Bella also leaves many great aunts, great uncles, cousins, and extended family who loved her dearly.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Pleasant Valley South Baptist Church with the Rev. Eric Whelchel officiating. Interment will follow at Rome Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 12:00 PM until service time at the church. Pallbearers will assemble by 1:30 PM and include J.T. Williams, Tyler Whelchel, Ben Whelchel, Rob Whelchel, Conner Arrington, Asa Serapion, Stephen Payne, and Kevin Payne.
Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, South Chapel, is honored to serve the family of Bella Grace Wardlaw.