Bella Jones Muir

A TIME TO BE BORN- Bella J. Muir was born on November 22, 1926 to Richard Simon Sr, and Metter G. Jones in the Township of Mouzon, near Cades South Carolina. At her age of 3, they relocated to Philadelphia, PA where Bella attended school and graduated from Dobbins High School of North Philadelphia. She began working for Pennsylvania Prison Society, where she was an Executive Secretary/ Office Manager for 39 years. A TIME TO LOVE-Bella met Samuel Earl Perry in Philadelphia, PA, where they married on October 19, 1957. To this union, one child was born Kimberle Meta Perry on August 2, 1964. The couple enjoyed entertaining at "Perry's Bar" in North Philadelphia. Bella was a kind, loving and devoted person, she especially delighted in the preparation for family holiday gatherings, where she served her famous Potato Salad, Leg of Lamb, Gumbo, Fried Chicken and Jewish Apple Cake to name a few. TIME TO SERVE- Bella served in various organizations throughout her lifetime such as:
The bereavement committee at St. Luke Episcopal Church,Mt. Airy neighborhood watch committee,Supporter for MOVE formerly known as Christian Movement for Life Organization since 1985,Citizens United for Rehabilitation of Errant (CURE) Organization,Tots and Teens,
For 45+ years served as an elections Minority Inspector 50th Ward, 5th Div. A TIME TO CELEBRATE- Bella enjoyed hosting parties for family and friends and fundraisers with organizations with which she was affiliated. Annually she hosted an exclusive New Year's Day Open house. Folks came from near and far to celebrate being together at the start of the New Year. The traditional family foods were served with elegance and grace. She was a Jazz enthusiast, weekly she listened to Live Jazz at the "La Rose Jazz Caf? where she was affectionately known as one of the "Jazzy Ladies". Throughout the year we celebrated Easter, Mother's Day and The Jones Family Reunion. For the past 50 years Bella served diligently on the board of the Jones Family Reunion, which is still celebrated to this day. She ensured that the family bond between our Georgia and Philadelphia families remained strong. A TIME FOR EVERY PURPOSE UNDER THE HEAVEN-Bella's purpose in life was to be a daughter, a wife, a mother and a role model to everyone she encountered. She led by example always instilling to do what was right by being an honest, loving, considerate and forth right in all things you do. She always encouraged you to know your self-worth and endure in your faith with God. Bella was awarded by the Council of the City of Philadelphia 50th Ward, CITATION Honoring and Recognizing her on retirement of more then 45 years of dedicated services, loyal, patience, leadership, reliability, and high ethnical character that was key to ensuring smooth elections, as Minority Inspector 50th Ward, 5th Division. The CITATION, also went on to state that during her years presiding over the polling stations, she bear witness to several of Pennsylvania's historic elections, including the first black mayor of Philadelphia, the first female district attorney of Philadelphia, the first female attorney general of Pennsylvania, and most notable the first black president of the United States. As stated in the CITATION, they will miss this fine public servant.
Bella was a faithful member of St. Luke Episcopal Church of Germantown for over 30 years. She attended services faithfully and was instrumental in the growth and development of several committees and actively supported the church mission. She was well loved and held in high regards by all members. She was a devout Christian and practiced her faith in God daily, by simply treating everyone in the same manner that she wanted to be treated. A TIME TO DIE... AND A TIME TO MOURN-
Our Beloved Matriarch, Sister, Mother, Aunt, Great Aunt Grandmother, passed away .... Our memories of her will live forever in our hearts. We thank God for blessing us with her presence in our lives to the age of 95. She leaves to celebrate her legacy and cherish her memories, her daughter Kimberle Meta Darden, three grandchildren: Dominique Denzel, Bobbi Bellayne, Akyra Aly and a multitude of other relatives and friends.