D'Ella Bell

DElla Bell, 83, of Springfield, IL, formerly of Clarksville, TN, passed away at 2:55 a.m. on Sunday, September 10, 2017 at her home. DElla was born July 2, 1934 in Natchez, MS, the daughter of Clarence Singleton and Nancy (Whiting) Ross. She married Bennie Bell, Jr. on April 3, 1955 in Natchez, MS; he preceded her in death on January 6, 2016. DElla attended Washington Elementary School and graduated from Broomfield High School in Natchez, MS. She attended Georgia Beauty School and Clarksville Baptist School of Religion. She was baptized in St. Marys Missionary Baptist Church in Natchez. She was a member of Concord Missionary Baptist Church in Clarksville, and was dedicated to God, her Church, and her family. DElla sang in the church choir for 40 years. She worked as a receptionist at Curtis Funeral Home in Natchez, and briefly as an assistant x-ray technician at Charity Hospital in Natchez. She also worked as a childcare assistant throughout her life. She volunteered as a foster grandparent at Smith Elementary School in Clarksville. She loved fishing and expressed her love through cooking. DElla was known for her pound cake recipe and collard greens. She was also preceded in death by her parents; and one brother, Willie Singleton. DElla is survived by her sons, Malcolm Bell of Seattle, WA, Calvin (wife, Deena) Bell of Springfield, and Henry Aaron (wife, Dara Stigdon) Bell of Hazelcrest, IL; grandchildren, Aaronson P.T. Bell of Chicago, Monica Toiko Bell of South Bend, IN, Nathaniel Augustine Bell of Springfield, and Justine Teresa Bell of Springfield; 12 brothers and sisters; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Tennessee Visitation: Family will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Friday, September 22, 2017 at Foston Funeral Home, 816 Franklin Street, Clarksville, TN. Tennessee Funeral Ceremony: 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at Concord Missionary Baptist Church, 2411, Peachers Mill Rd., Clarksville, TN with Pastor Delbert Brown officiating. Natchez Visitation: Family will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 28, 2017 at Marshall Funeral Home, 225 Pilgrim Rd., Natchez, MS. Natchez Funeral Ceremony: 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 29, 2017 at St. Marys Baptist Church, 11 Howard Loop, Natchez, MS with Pastor Delbert Brown officiating. Burial will follow at Natchez National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: Haitian Health Foundation, 97 Sherman St., Norwich, CT 06360.