Doris R. Bell

Bell ~ It was once said that not just life, but a good life, is to be valued above all. With over 94 years of fulfilled, good living on this Earth, the days and times of Mrs. Doris Jeanette Rowell Bell was a grand display of a blessed life, filled with God, family, and friends who loved her dearly.

Mrs. Bell was born to King Rowell and Lenora Elizabeth Terry July 13, 1928, in Jacksonville, Florida. She was educated in the local public schools, graduating in the class of 1946.  Mrs. Bell was saved at the age of twelve years old under the leadership of the Holiness Church, Elder Fork, Pastor, later joining Mt. Ararat Baptist Church, serving in Choir 4B, under the leadership of Reverend Dallas Graham. Upon his death, she transitioned to newly formed Mt. Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Louis Yarber for ten years.  Mrs. Bell and her husband moved from Mt. Lebanon to Abyssinia Missionary Baptist Church to be with her son and served in the Usher ministry, #3 for sixteen years. When her son transferred his membership to Bethel Baptist Institutional Church to be with his sister, Mrs. Bell and her husband followed so that they could worship as a family under the leadership of the illustrious Bishop Rudolph McKissick, Sr., singing in the choir until the passing of her husband, Willie C. Bell, the love of her life for over fifty years. 

She was preceded in death by her late husband, Mr. Willie Charles Bell (2006); son, Neal A. Stills (2003); grandson, Benjamin W. Lowe, Jr. (2006); brothers, King Hargrove, Sr., Julius Rowell, Sr., Otis Stokes, Freddie Stokes, Harry Stokes, Lenora Philpot, Billie Ruth Lewis, Marvin Reed, Donald Reed, Gwendolyn Frederick.

Mrs. Bell (lovingly known as “Madea” to her family) leaves to cherish her memories, her loving and devoted daughter, Jeanette Banks Lowe; first cousin, raised like a sister, Dorothy Sweet; grandchildren, Edward L. Lowe, Patrece Jeanette Taylor, Lakecia Carter, Tonya Stills, Yolanda Stills; great grandchildren, Edmund Gibson III, Eric Gibson, Jasmin Lowe, Khalia Lowe, Kylah Carter, Dorian Carter, Jr., Mark Stills, Africa, Maurice, Tony Paul, Malachi; great-great grandchildren, Alexis Gibson, Kingston Gibson, Kamryn Gibson, Cainen Townsend, Jaylen Whitty, Jayda Thomas, Paris Gibson; brother, Carl Reed; a host of nieces and nephews, Julius Rowell, Jr, Cheryl Bennett (Bennett), Latrece Rowell, Lorie Philpot, Lisa Jefferson (Clarence), Carzell Crispin, Mona McGee, Colleen Clark, Solanika Reed; a host of relatives and many more devoted friends, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Holmes; surrogate daughter and loyal caregiver, Mrs. Patricia Howze; surrogate grandson, Zack Howze, loyal and loving caregiver, Talisa Tucker; very special devoted friend and daughter, Minister Arzada Haynes.

Celebration of Life service for Mrs. Doris Jeanette Rowell Bell will be 11:00AM Friday, December 9, 2022 at The Bethel Church Historic Sanctuary.  Visitation Thursday from 5 – 7:00 PM at The Soutel Chapel.  Interment in Jacksonville National Cemetery.  Because of the love of her family, arrangements entrusted to J. E. Fralin & Sons Funeral & Cremation Services, 5065 Soutel Drive, 904-924-9400

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