Mrs. Helen Delores Bell-Pender

She was born, raised and educated in Northeast Washington, D.C. Helen lived a full and vibrant life rooted in love, family, and community. She attended trade school for sewing and later worked as a seamstress. She contributed 20+ years working at the Department of Commerce, Patent & Trademark Office, and later became a dedicated caregiver, touching the lives of many children and families as a babysitter. In every role she held she was known for her patience, kindness, and steady presence. She was a woman of strong faith who loved the Lord.

Helen was married to her beloved husband, Willie Pender Jr. and together they built a life centered around family. She later made her home in the Maryland communities of Cherry Hill, Landover Hills, and Bowie where she became a cherished and familiar presence to many.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Willie Pender Jr.; parents: Alton Bell Sr. and Helen Bell (Williams);her brothers: Alton Bell Jr., William Bell (Billy Boy), and Robert Bell; her sisters: Gloria Pendleton, Susan Webster, and Rosetta Carpenter.

Helen leaves to cherish her memory: her daughters: Angelita Martin, Sharron Bell-Oesby (Robert), and Vickie Pender; grandchildren: Michael Baxter Sr.(Ayesha), Natasha Bell, Joseph Gay Jr., Kenney Pender, Bridgette James (Ansley), Tyann Pender, and Symone Riggins (Kevin); great grands: Michael Jr., Glori, Serenity, Skyler, Anastasia, Savannah, Steven, Daisja, Jalil, TJ, Aveiyhun, Ayden, and Levi; Her sisters: Yvonne Fowlkes and Lindora Bell; her Sister-in-Law, Louise Shaw; and a host of nieces and nephews amongst her Bell and Pender family heritage.

Helen was the heart of her family, a true matriarch and the life of the party. She had a special gift for making everyone feel like they belonged, earning her the reputation of being everyone’s grandma. She was loving, caring, and full of life, always ready with warmth, wisdom, and a sense of humor.

Her faith, rooted in Catholic and Lutheran traditions, guided her life. She found joy in dancing, sewing, crocheting, trips to the horse races and slot machines. She “LOVED SWEETS” affirming her nickname of Honey. Her favorite color was purple, representing royalty. In her later years, she found happiness in caring for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, pouring love into each generation.

Funeral services will be held on April 4, 2026 at Ascension Lutheran Church. She will be laid to rest at Fort Lincoln Cemetery, in the Ascension Gardens, where she will be reunited with the love of her life.

Helen’s love, strength, and spirit will live on in all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.