Everett Owens Bell

EVERETT OWENS BELL passed away in St. Dominic Village Nursing Home on August 30, 2007 after a lengthy illness. He was born in Kosciusko, Mississippi on September 23, 1918, one of ten children, to Allie Glee and Ebb Owens Bell. He grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. After high school graduation, he entered the University of Kansas. His studies were interrupted by service in the U.S. Army from 1941-1945, where he attained the rank of Captain. Upon returning to the University of Kansas, he earned the Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and the LLB degree. He then began a life of service and dedication to his community and to his church. In 1994, Mr. Bell retired from Texas Southern University after 46 years of service in several capacities. He came to TSU in 1948 as Registrar and Assistant Professor in the School of Law, which would later be designated the Thurgood Marshall School of Law. He became Director of Personnell in 1955 and also Assistant to the President, a position he held under seven administrations. In addition to this position, he was appointed as Executive Assistant to the Board of Regents in 1958. On several occasions, he served on an Interim Committee to operate the University between presidents and later as Interim President. He was appointed as the Fifth President of Texas Southern University from 1979-1980, On May 13, 1983, the Student Services Building was designated the Everett O. Bell Hall in his honor. Mr. Bell was a friend and father figure to many students who went through TSU, assisting them emotionally and financially. Everett Bell was a member of the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection from its beginning. For many years he served as chairman of the Bishop's Committee and as a lay reader. He was very active in the Diocese of Texas where he represented his church at Diocesan Council meetings, on various committees, and meetings of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew. He also served on the Executive Board and the Race Relations Board of the Diocese of Texas and on the Board of St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital. Mr. Bell transferred his membership to St. James' Episcopal Church when the Diocese of Texas closed the Church of the Resurrection. Expressions of gratitude are given to the administrators and staff of St. Dominic Village Nursing Home for the care given to Mr. Bell during his ten years of residence there. His affairs were managed by Bettye White who, along with Janet Lightfoot and Brenda Fields, saw that he received the best care possible. He is survived by three brothers: Claude J. Bell, St. Louis; James W. Bell and his wife Beatrice, St. Louis; Melvin O. Bell, Chicago; and many nieces, nephews and loving friends. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, September 5, 2007, at Texas Southern University, Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Moot Court Room, 3500 Wheeler @ Sampson, Houston, Texas 77004. Funeral service will be on held at 11 a.m., Thursday, September 6, 2007 at St. James' Episcopal Church, 3129 Southmore Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77004, with the Rev. J. William DeForest officiating. Following a reception in the Parish Hall immediately after the service, interment will be in Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Texas Southern University, Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Scholarship Fund, 3100 Cleburne Street, Houston, TX 77004; The Brotherhood of St. Andrew, P.O. Box 632, Ambridge, PA 15003; or to St. James School, Scholarship Fund, 3129 Southmore Blvd., Houston, TX 77004.