Sylvester Bell

Sylvester Bell, age 89, of Rockford, Illinois passed away on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. He was born on February 8, 1937 in Bearden, Arkansas to Allien Bell. He married the love of his life, Rebecca Gray on March 31, 1962 in Rockford, Illinois and they spent 62 wonderful years together before she passed in March 2025. Sylvester enjoyed coaching basketball in his younger years and watching basketball as he got older. He has been a proud member of Providence Baptist Church since January 1959, over the years he served as a deacon, assisted as a Sunday School teacher, and sang in the male chorus. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family.

Sylvester is survived by his daughter, Selena Bell; grandchildren, Leonard II, Alisha, and Dante Bell; great-grandson, Kingston; sisters, Linabee (Richard) Gordon, Mary Barfield, Sylvia Williams, Elaine Williams, Scharmin Williams, and Stephanie (Duane) Schaefer; brothers, Grover (Pearlie) Newton, Toney Williams, and Christopher Williams; daughter-in-law, Jodie; and goddaughters, Latreacha and Rekeshia Melvin.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Rebecca Bell; sons, Leonard and Tyrone Bell; mother, Allien Bell; grandparents, Earnest and Susie Bell; and siblings, Dorothy Marshall and Thomas Newton.

A visitation for Sylvester will be held Friday, November 6 from 9:30 am to 11:00 am at Providence Baptist Church, 2209 Clifton Ave, Rockford, IL 61102 with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 am. Burial and military rites at Willwood Burial Park, 7000 W State St, Rockford, IL 61102.