Michael John Bell

Born on December 4, 1961 in Dallas, Texas to the parentage of John Bell, Jr. and Norma Fay Johnson Bell, Michael passed away on August 30, 2015. Michael attended and graduated from Franklin D. Roosevelt High School of Dallas Independent School District in 1980. He received a basketball scholarship to Ranger College where he earned his Associate Degree. He also attended Centenary College of Louisiana before going on to graduate from Paul Quinn College in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education & Health. Affectionately known as "Shag" during his school years, Michael became an Educator and Coach in DISD. While he enjoyed many hobbies, Michael's career and main hobby went hand-in-hand. He was especially passionate about coaching basketball. He coached in The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) which is a non-profit, multi-sport organization based in the United States and dedicated exclusively to the promotion and development of amateur sports and physical fitness programs. He was Coach for the DC Queens, a girls basketball team in the AAU. Professionally, Michael was a field coach at Ferris High School, a boys and girls coach at J.W. Ray Learning Center, and a coach for boys basketball at Spence Middle School. At Trinity Christian Academy (TCA), he coached junior varsity boys basketball. He was also Assistant Varsity Boys Coach at TCA.Michael professed Christ as Lord and Savior at a young age. He, along with his wife, joined Christian Chapel Temple of Faith approximately 13 years ago under the leadership of the late Dr. Jerome McNeil. He was an Armor Bearer for CCTOF for several years and remained a faithful member until his passing under the leadership of Dr. Vanessee Burns. Michael was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Tommy Lee Garrett and Billy Carl Bell. Those left to cherish precious memories include his loving wife, Beverly; son, DeMichael Jones and his fiancée Shirley; daughter, Farrin Bell; brother, Kerry John Bell and his wife Rita; sister, Gwendolyn K. Bell; brother, Keith Douglas Bell; sister-in-law, Verdell Bell; sister, Norma Renee Bell; aunts, Tharsell "Honey" Watson and Ester Pearl "BB" Green; and a host of many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Michael was faithful, loyal, reserved, honest, and humorous. His earthly presence will be greatly missed.