Obituary of Deacon Johnnie Lee Bell

Deacon Johnnie Lee Bell, son of the late Roosevelt Bell and the late Leola Jackson Bell, was born on September 7, 1929 in Shellman, Georgia. He entered into eternal rest on May 15, 2024 at Cooper Hospital. Johnnie attended school in the city of Shellman. During his teenage years he attended the Shellman Vocational High School in between planting and harvesting seasons. Attending church was a priority in Johnnie’s family. He accepted the Lord as his personal savior at an early age, and his Christian Education was nurtured at the Bethel AME Church. Serving the Lord was instilled in him and remained with him throughout his life. Johnnie served in the US Army in 1952 during the Korean conflict. While on leave, he visited his uncle and aunt, Deacon Edgar and Sis. Beatrice Jackson, and they brought him to Kaighn Avenue Baptist Church. It was at KABC where he met the love of his life, Alease Worlds and they were united in Holy matrimony April 2, 1955. To this union was born four children: Brenda, Bonita, Kenneth and Ginger Bell. Johnnie was a hard worker who faithfully provided for his family. He was employed at Weyerhaeuser Containing Company for 39 years working as a press operator. Two months after his retirement he started working part-time at his friend’s business (Earl Robinson’s) on Walnut St., for another ten years. Following his second retirement, Johnnie became an active member of KABC Food & Clothing Ministry. He loved the Wednesday morning fellowship and serving those the Lord sent to KABC. Through the years Johnnie served faithfully on the Usher Board, Deacon Board, the South Jersey Ushers Union, and the Food and Clothing ministry. During the pandemic Johnnie took joy in attending Sunday service via Zoom or Facebook Live. Once restrictions were lifted, he did his best to attend church in person on Communion Sundays and special events. Johnnie was preceded in death by his loving wife Alease Bell, dear children Brenda and Kenneth Bell; brothers: Lucious, Roosevelt, Willie Howard, and Freddie Albert. He leaves to cherish his memory daughters: Bonita and Ginger, Special nephew: Walker Fortune, brother: Ret. Lt. Col. Leroy Bell (Vera), sister: Mary B. Britton (Carl), Sisters in Law: Edna Worlds, Joan Worlds, & Shirley Bell and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. To God be the Glory for a life well lived! Lovingly submitted, The Family