Essie I. Bell was born on August 26, 1938 to the late Levester and Ruth Patterson of Queen City, Texas. She is preceded in death by her husband, JC Bell, two sisters: Odessa Patterson and Jewel Forshee: 3 brothers: Elijah Patterson, Frank Patterson and Levester Patterson, Jr.
Essie I. Bell was a loving wife, mother, grandmother & friend in her lifetime. She was the heart & soul of her family, always someone who provided wisdom & clarity in life’s direction to each family member. She was a loving, selfless, kind, devoted mother & Christian. Her top priority was family & the belief to remain close to each other throughout life. Her love will continue to transcend within the family & beyond. She was a special person & the crown jewel of our family.
Essie I. Bell graduated from Thornton High School in Queen City, TX in 1958 and attended Texas College in Tyler, TX where she graduated in 1962 with a Bachelor Degree in Education. Upon graduation she relocated to Kansas City, KS & began a career with Kansas City Unified School District. She taught school in Kansas City, KS between 1962 thru 1994 for 32 years. She also received her Masters Degree from Emporia State University in 1970.
Essie I. Bell united in marriage to JC Bell in 1964. A marriage of 53 years until the passing of JC Bell on April 5, 2017. She leaves to cherish her memories: two daughters: Angela R. Bell, Surprise AZ and Sherry L. Bell, Scottsdale AZ: two sisters: Heloyce Ford (C. E. Ford), Duncanville, TX: Ruthie Richardson, Dallas, TX: one granddaughter Natashia R. Jones (Melvin Jones), Surprise, AZ: great grandchildren: Teyonce R. Jones, Surprise, AZ: Nyashia S. Jones, Surprise, AZ: Aahnaysia K. Jones, Surprise, AZ: Tyreeq M. Jones, Surprise, AZ: Channce C. Jones, Surprise, AZ. And nieces/nephews: Tracy Columbus (Daryl), Cedar Hill, TX: Wanda Terry (Larry), Dallas, TX: Diane Patterson, Dallas, TX: April Osborne, Dallas, TX: Corey Vann (Keisha), Dallas, TX.
A visitation for Essie will be held Wednesday, December 14, 2022 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Sunland Mortuary Remembrance Chapel, 15826 North Del Webb Blvd, Sun City, AZ 85351.
Following the visitation will be a funeral service from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
Essie will be laid to rest in Sunland Cemetery.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunlandmemorial.com for the Bell family.
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