Bessie Louise Bell

Bessie Louise Powell Bell was born on June 17, 1932, to James and Bessie Powell in Indianapolis IN. Bessie was the 9th child of their union. God called Bessie from labor to reward on February 15, 2024.

Bessie attended Indianapolis Public Schools #26 and Crispus Attucks High School. After graduating from Crispus Attucks in 1949, she was one of only three African Americans students admitted to Butler University. She studied at Butler for two years.

She loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and her church family. Bessie’s profound love for the church was instilled by her grandmother, America Powell, who was a Founding Charter Member of St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church. Bessie accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior and was baptized in 1945 at the age of 13 years. She served the Juvenile Rehabilitation Group, Sunday School, and Trustee Board. She was the Juvenile Group’s treasurer for over 60 years. For years she was employed by the church as a Computer Operator. She remained a faithful servant of Christ throughout her life.

On March 21, 1953, she married the love of her life, Lonnie Bell. To this union two children were born Estelle Marie Bell and Lonnie Bell Jr. Mr. Bell preceded her in death on February 21, 1981.

Bessie worked at RCA/GE for 40 years. During her employment she was an Instrument Operator, Tester, Production Line Inspector, Video Disc Operation Supervisor, Accounting Clerk, and a Maintenance Supervisor. She was also member of American Woman Business Association.

She loved her family. Her parents and all her siblings preceded her in death: James F. Powell, Bessie Powell. Elnor Powell, Harry Minor, James Powell, Clarence Powell, Robert Powell, Edith Mae Powell Vance Jones, Marie Ella Powell Smith, Charles Powell, Earnest Powell. The Powell clan are now all together and having a family reunion.

Bessie was truly a masterpiece, an amazing mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and friend. Bessie will be remembered for her “quite gentle spirit”.

Bessie departed this life at the age of 91 years. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter Estelle Marie Bell Brantley (Joseph), Son Lonnie Bell Jr., Grandsons; Joseph DeWayne Brantley, Lamont Sanders, Kellian James and three great granddaughters: Bailee, Ava, and Kennedy Brantley. She also leaves behind a host of niece and nephews in addition to her St. John’s Missionary Baptist church family.

A visitation for Bessie will be held Monday, February 26, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Crown Hill Funeral Home, 700 W. 38th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208, followed by a celebration of life at 12:00 PM.