Morris Lee Stell

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for his life, we share the passing of Morris Lee Stell who quietly transitioned on April 18, 2026. Though his presence will deeply be missed, the love he shared and the memories he created will indelibly remain in our hearts forever.

Morris was born on June 17, 1935, in Salina Kansas to the late Ernest and Ethel Marile Stell. He was the last survivor of their six children. In 1951, Morris relocated to New York City. After graduating high school, Morris entered the Army.

While in the Army, Morris received the Occupational Medicine Germany (OCC), the National Defense Service Medal, and a Good Conduct medal. Morris continued to pursue his love of Boxing and baseball.

Upon receiving an honorable discharge from the Army, in 1953, Morris met and married his beloved wife, Mattie Louis Bell with whom he shared 45 years of partnership before her death in 2004. Together, they had four beloved daughters. Morris instilled in them the importance of knowing their history. He showed them the way through the pursuit of history and culture. Like Malcolm X, Morris believed that studying history allowed his children to understand their origins, and cultural worth. Morris loved to travel he has been all over the world, notably Jerusalem, where he said, “he and Mattie walked in the footsteps of Jesus”.

They moved to Palmer Park, Maryland, where Morris was employed by the United States Government as a teletype technician in the Pentagon. While working at the Pentagon, Morris earned an MBA at Bowie State University. He also obtained a paralegal certificate. Morris aspired to be self-reliant and thus began investing in real estate. With his business acumen, Morris purchased, rented and sold homes which enabled him to retire early from the government.

Morris was driven by business, but he also enjoyed his down time. Morris enjoyed landscaping, planting and cutting his grass. He enjoyed reading and discussing history and theology with anyone willing to engage him. Morris also found relaxation by listening to his music and sipping on his favorite soft drink- rum.

Morris was preceded in death by his wife, Mattie Louis Stell, his daughter Karen Stell, his grandson, Robyn McMullen and his great granddaughter, Breezy Stell. Left to cherish his memories are his three daughters Valree Stell, Beverly Stell-Seabrook, and Arlene Stell, daughter in law, Ursula Tolliver, nine grandchildren, Brandi Stell, Kystal Stell, Jasmine Gilbert, China Gilbert, Howard Gilbert IV, Parris A, Seabrook, Melanie Smith, Henry P. Seabrook, and Irvin Smith, and his Great grandchildren, Breezhon, Shiah, Bless,, Serenity, Ti’hmari.