Search by Name

Search by Name

Dee Dee Bellson Obituary



Dee Dee Jean Bellson

Dee Dee Jean Bellson, 49, of Charlottesville, formerly of Los Angeles, California, died suddenly on Saturday, July 4, 2009, at her residence.

She was born on April 20, 1960, in California. Dee Dee was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Pearl Bailey of Broadway fame and Louis Bellson, the legendary jazz drummer who died this year on Valentine's day. Her brother, Tony also preceded her in death, as did Carl Anderson, who was like a brother.

She is survived by many who loved her dearly, especially her longtime companion, John Noble, his family and their dog, Caleb. Other survivors include Bill, Doris and Linda Murray - a second family to her, by her late father's wife, Francine Bellson and her family, Hank, Candy and Tony Bellson, Remo Belli "Uncle Remo", her classmates at Highland Hall High School, musicians all over the world that she worked with during her elaborate singing career, too numerous to mention here. Here in Charlottesville they include members of Big Ray and the Kool Cats, her other friends in Virginia, friends from California , Marissa, Matty, Scott, Gretta, Rod, Amy and Vicky; and many other friends too numerous to list.

Dee Dee made everyone she knew feel like he or she was the most important person in the world. She will be greatly missed.

A graveside service will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 14, 2009, at Riverview Cemetery with the Reverend Tom Goodrich officiating.

Visitation will be held from 6 until 8 p.m. Monday, July 13, 2009, at Hill and Wood Funeral Home.

Friends may sign the register book at www.hillandwood.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Danville and Rockingham County from Jul. 11 to Jul. 13, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Dee Dee Bellson

Not sure what to say?





Josh Putman

April 12, 2022

I first met Dee Dee when I moved to Charlottesville, Virginia with my grandmother. She lived in the apartment right next door. Everyday I would see her walking her dog Caleb. You could see her beautiful soul just by watching the way she walked. So much joy and happiness just radiated from her. I ended up being her dog sitter when she would go play music with the Kool Catz. I would play on her electric guitar while she was gone. 20 years later I am still playing guitar as it has became a part of who i am. Thanks for that. For the 4 years that I lived there she became a mother figure to me. She was always there for you no matter what you was going through. I miss her dearly. I fortunately got to see her one last time in 2007 as my wife and I were passing through Charlottesville. We spent the entire day with her and John. It was such a blessing to have known you and I will never forget you. RIP Dee Dee.

Jamie

April 10, 2022

Met this beautiful woman in School drama class (around 1980) in the San Fernando Valley. She was like a celebrity and so beautiful. Much more beautiful than any pictures you see of her. Yet, she was so humble. I am saddened to hear she is gone.

D S

May 17, 2020

RIP

Jt Lawson

March 8, 2010

Dee Dee was an amazing presence, brightness and love for so many of us at Cleveland High School. She was the most amazing talent I think any of us had really known, and most of us had expected to see her headlining all over.

As she had ventured off in the world to earn success with her own name, and her own talent, many of us had lost contact with her, yet never forgot the impact her wonderful spirit and smile had with us.

Word of her passing is slowly spreading among those she had touched, and like dominoes, hearts are breaking all over this continent and beyond.

As I had shared with others her greatness while she was alive, her greatness continues to be shared, though now she has passed.

I'm not much of a church goer, but I'd say an angel was missing in heaven we were just borrowing Dee Dee, and what ever God had her on earth to do, she must have finished.

And to her younger relatives who'd never gotten to know her; others have shared how she was impressed with everything any of us where doing, and with that I agree. She was encouragement where ever she went, so consider she loved you, as she loved so many, and be encouraged as she would've absolutely loved you for ... you, no matter what.

Her mother was a famous humanitarian, Dee Dee was a not so famous one, but a humanitarian none the less. Everyone around her was great because she was there, and she'd tell you how great you were, and if she'd have met any of you younger relatives of her's, she'd tell you just the same - because you are.

Enjoy life. I truly believe she'd want that for you, and I know those of us who knew her want the same for you.

And for the rest of the family, my condolences, and my encouragement for you all to follow through on keeping in touch with each other. Many of Dee Dee's happiest moments shared were those of family getting together and supporting each other.

Rod Nave

August 4, 2009

I am now constructing your website on ChristianMemorials.com with John. He will be here soon discuss your memorial. Like the day I met you in 1992 and all the songs we sang and made together you will always be a "song in my heart" Farewell my beloved.

Aunt Pearl; Dee Dee and Me "1963"

Jackie Taylor Johnson

July 23, 2009

Surprised and saddened of the passing of Dee Dee. Aunt Pearl was my Godmother and I spend most of my childhood on the ranch of Apple Valley, and several years as a teenager in Northridge. Words can not express how I feel knowing that she has passed away, at such a young age.

Jackie Taylor Johnson, Baltimore, MD

July 23, 2009

Surprised and saddened of the passing of Dee Dee. Aunt Pearl was my Godmother and I spend most of my childhood on the ranch of Apple Valley, and several years as a teenager in Northridge. Words can not express how I feel knowing that she has passed away, at such a young age.

Jackie Taylor Johnson, Baltimore, MD

Nancy Haver

July 17, 2009

Keep singing, dear Dee Dee. It was a joy to sing with you in the '80s in the LA Jazz Choir. You were a beautiful woman with a wonderful voice and spirit. WIth love and respect to you and your loved ones.

Scott Borden

July 17, 2009

My heart is sooo heavy, but you are lighter then air now..i cant believe you wont be going through my closet anymore.say hi to my Mom for me

love Scott

Vicki

July 17, 2009

You made it to the Real Choir darling Dee Dee
....no more tears.
You being Love and now singing forever in great beauty will always be in our hearts.
missin you
love, vicki

July 17, 2009

I sang along with Ralph and Dee Dee for a couple of years in the LA Jazz Choir. Since moving to France about 21 years ago, I'd lost touch, but am deeply saddened to learn of her passing - she was a beautiful singer and a beautiful person. May you continue to share your gifts wherever you go Dee Dee.
Dan O'Donnell

Matty

July 16, 2009

An angels voice is lovingly called home. I will always love you. God's speed on wings of White Light.

Ralph Cato

July 16, 2009

I was surprised and saddened to learn of the passing of our friend and colleague, Dee Dee. Although I haven't seen Dee Dee since the 1980's, the time we spent together in the LA Jazz Choir was sensational. Touring Europe and the US, we had a blast in Hawai'i. I miss the laughs we used to have and the fun times singing together. I know you will continue to make the spirits smile in the next phase of life. God be with you my dear, sweet, Dee Dee. You will be sorely missed by all who knew you.

Greta Thomas

July 16, 2009

I am deeply saddened by the news that Dee Dee is no longer with us...I am still in disbelief! I just saw Dee Dee and John a few months ago and as usual, she was beautiful & sweet and we all had a great visit! I just hope she knew how much we all loved her....she will be missed by all, especially by me.

deb kassner

July 16, 2009

dee dee, you were a shining star in the jazz choir, a powerhouse of talent and musical joy. i was listening to you just two days ago on the "listen" LP, scatting away on "woodchopper's ball," with that soaring wail we knew so well. you captivated, you charmed, and delighted. rest in peace.

Bobbi Bueno

July 15, 2009

Dee Dee -- I will always remember the last thing you said to me and it was this, "I am so glad to hear that you and your kids are back in touch, because you're family...and that's precious." Then I told you how proud of you that I was and I just can;t believe I'll never see you again...I'll miss you very much, but I know somewhere up there, there will be "many-a-special-requests" because your voice can only be described as you are, ethereal and angelic.

Penny Wilks

July 13, 2009

You will always be in our hearts and our memories ... we will love you forever ... your family from Moline.

Sherry Whaley

July 13, 2009

Dee Dee, I was very fortunate to have met you when you took my Jazz class at the Wilson School of Dance.I was very honored to have you in my class and I would like to share a very special moment with you.Remember the night after class, you watched a recorded tape that I had of the Grammeys when you were Sheena Eastons backup singer and you talked about how long you had to work on the choreography and we laughed about how really simple the choreography was . This will always be with me DeeDee May God Bless you and comfort your family. Your memory and beautiful personality will always be in my heart. God Bless you ,Sherry Whaley

Shirley Solomon Parrish

July 11, 2009

To Dee Dee's Family and loved ones:

I did not know Dee Dee, but was a fan of her mother's. (Always thought Queen Latifah resembled her a bit.) Dee Dee, you had very talented parents and from what I've heard, you were talented also. Rest now, dear one. Sing on in the angelic choir. Family, be strong and may you be comforted in your grief.

Kathy Nedbalski

July 11, 2009

Dee Dee, I was lucky enough to hear your beautiful voice and see your charismatic stage presence at Vanessa & Michael's wedding. May God Bless you and may you rest in peace.

Mary Coughlin

July 11, 2009

Now you are soaring on Angel's Wings, Dee Dee! I did not know you for long but I am so grateful that I did get to meet you and spend a little time with you. Make sure that you keep watching over all of us, especially John. I love you!! Mary Coughlin

Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results

Make a Donation
in Dee Dee Bellson's name

Memorial Events
for Dee Dee Bellson

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Dee Dee's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Dee Dee Bellson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more