Everett Bell was born to George Bell and Lola Newsome on February 15, 1932, in St. Louis, Missouri where he was raised with his five siblings: Nathaniel, Udell, Aurelia, Sharon, and Linda. He soon adopted a childhood nickname, that everyone he encountered would come to know him as, Corkey. Everett "Corkey" Bell attended and graduated from the first high school for African-American students west of the Mississippi River, Sumner High School.
As a young adult, Corkey worked as a butcher prior to his military service with the United States Air Force during the Korean War.
Following his service, as a Disabled Veteran, he relocated to Los Angeles, California, and married Shirley Olivia Bell, who preceded him in death (2016). Corkey and Shirley raised Ronald Keaton Hodge, Shirley's only child from a previous union.
Corkey worked several years as an assemblyman and retired from General Motors in Los Angeles, California. In retirement, Corkey continued to work in his community at United World Learning Center, Inglewood Cemetary, Harrison Ross Mortuary, and managed the First A.M.E (F.A.M.E.) Housing Corporation. Corkey and Shirley attended Second Baptist Church pastored by Reverend Dr. Thomas Kilgore, Jr. succeeded by Reverend Dr. William S. Epps. They later began worshipping at First New Christian Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, pastored by Rev Dr. Norman Johnson where Shirley served as secretary to the Pastor.
He was a vibrant, "people-person" who was well known and loved by his colleagues and neighbors for his caring demeanor.
Spending time with family and attending gatherings for friends was something Corkey enjoyed. Corkey and Shirley later moved to Lancaster during their retirement to enjoy life together.
Everett "Corkey" Bell was predeceased by his older brothers Nathaniel Boyd and Udell Bell, and older sister Aurelia Cox, and is survived by his younger sisters Sharon Taylor and Linda Lee. Corkey leaves to cherish his memory, children Kathy Collins and Ronald K. Hodge, Sr., grandchildren Danielle Hodge and Ronald K. Hodge, Jr. greatgrandchildren Amaiya Chatman and Jaiyda Patterson, nieces and nephews Monica "Lynette" King, Micheal, David, Le'Sean, Kim, Rene, Cynthia, Nathan "Buddy" Cox, Udell "Roni" Bell, Jr., Keith, Michelle, other relatives and a host of family and friends who love him dearly.
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