Willie Herman Bell

Willie Herman Bell was born on October 19, 1943 to Herman Bell and Lena Mae Bell in Fort Worth, Texas. Willie and his older brother, Eddie, were born of this union. His mother, Lena, passed on December 18, 1948. His father, Herman, married Willie's "Bonus" Mother, Levera Bell on December 30, 1952 and two daughters, Dolores and Bettye, were born of this union. Willie attended Catholic school during the 1st through 3rd grades and then he transferred to James E. Guinn School during the 4th through 8th grades, both schools were located in Fort Worth, Texas. Willie attended Dunbar High School in Fort Worth, Texas during the 9th and 10th grades. The family moved to Africa in 1959 due to his father's military assignment where Willie graduated from high school in 1961.

Willie joined the Air Force in 1962 and traveled extensively during his years of service. He lived in Texas, Minnesota, Korea, Vietnam, California, and Germany, retiring from the Air Force after 21 years of service. Willie went on to work for Civil Service and then Lockheed Martin, finally retiring from the workforce on January 5, 2011.

In August 1966, Willie met Shirley L. Stringfellow at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Oakland, California, Reverend Herbert Guice, and they were married 2 1/2 weeks later on September 7, 1966 in the home of Willie's parents in Oakland, California. Two children were born to this union.

Willie loved God with all of his heart, he was a dedicated husband, proud father, enjoyed every minute he could with his grandchildren & great-grandchildren and proudly gave all for his country. He found joy in serving at church or helping veterans. He also liked to go bowling, singing, and laughing at his own jokes.

Willie faithfully served the Lord for over 60 years as follows: Boy Scout Leader, Junior Deacon, and in the choir at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church; Children's Choir Director and in the adult choir at Christ Missionary Bible Church in Lancaster, California; and in the Men's Chorus, adult choir, Choir Director, Deacon, and Elder at Agape Community Church in Lancaster, California where he served for 33 years.

Preceding Willie in death are his father, Herman Bell; mother, Lena Bell; bonus mother, Levera Bell; nephew, Barnett Monroe Bolton III; and nephew, Vincent Bell.

Willie leaves to cherish his memory a devoted wife of 55 years. Shirley L. Bell; his daughter, Shirlonda Short (Henry Jr.); his son, Willie Bell II (Athena); Grandchildren: Jarvis Fejeran (Johanna), Henry Short III (Mala), Kendrick Short, Jewelmani Bell, Jorell Bell, and Jarrett Bell; Siblings: Eddie Joe Bell (Lisa), Dolores Collins, and Bettye Blunt; three great-grandchildren, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, a host of nephews and nieces, cousins, other extended relatives, church family, and friends.