Demetria "Meat Meat" Richards-Bell

Born in Miami, FL, to the late Eotree Bell Turner and Calvin Lee Turner Sr., Demetria was a woman with a smile that could brighten up a room.

She earned her culinary degree from the Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and attended Miami Central High School before graduating from Miami Jackson Senior High School.

Demetria went on to become a restaurateur and business owner of Bell's Catering, where she specialized in catering for events, family functions, and private school meal programs. Whether she was cooking up a feast or showcasing her culinary skills, she brought excitement and energy that was unmatched.

When she wasn't busy in the kitchen, you could find her playing cards or dancing the night away, always keeping the party going.

Demetria's vibrant personality was as warm and welcoming as her love for Caribbean culture, food, and music. A long-term resident of the Little Haiti community, she embraced the presence of Jamaican, Haitian, and Bahamian traditions, effortlessly blending them into her everyday life. Her time spent living in Nassau, Bahamas, deepened her love for the islands, where she made lasting friendships and built a community that felt like family.

This love was not only reflected in her choice of music and dance but also in the way she joked and carried on, not missing a chance to use every bit of Patois and Kreyol she could remember.

A fierce competitor with a radiant smile, Demetria's energy was infectious, whether she was playing cards or encouraging others to bring their best moves to the dance floor. Her laugh, quick wit, and unwavering confidence made her a joy to be around. Yet, it was her nurturing spirit that truly defined her. She took great pride in help to raise her younger cousins, nieces, and nephews, teaching them the value of family, hospitality, and the restaurant business. Demetria not only taught them how to cook, but also how to live life fully, always with love, laughter, and a generous heart.

She is predeceased by her grandparents Nancy and L.D. Highsmith, Elnora Turner and Willie Reed, and brother, Derrick Turner, and her husband, Antoinne Richards.

Demetria is survived by her younger sisters and brother: Margaret Turner, Sacrine Turner Douglas (Jessie Douglas Sr.), and Calvin Turner. Nieces and nephews: Keena Turner, Ferlean Turner, Nihita Turner, Ishea Turner, Duwon Clark, Jessie Douglas, Jr., JuQon Douglas, Jurrod Cook, Kayvon Turner, Keyon Turner, Keyandre Turner, LaMayah Douglas, LaMarcus Douglas, Cedric Angoma, James Turner, Takeena Pollock, Zariyah Pollock, Antonio Pollock, Jerald Dorsett, Amir Saintjoy, Charles Robinson, Messiah Saintjoy, Demari Davis, Jusi Douglas, Jaheil Douglas, Ja'lahni Douglas, Jakari Douglas, Bless James.

Demetria did not have kids but was a mother to her nieces, nephews and younger cousins. Special recognition for Euguene White, Shontae Gordon and Tyquon Highsmith.

Her loving sisters: Sheena Shaheed, Twanna Brown and cousin Sandra Granberry.

Her memory will also prevail amongst a host of aunts, uncles, great uncle, cousins, other relatives and friends.

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Services

Visitation

Oct
10

Peoples Funeral Home Chapel

2876 Orange Street

Marianna, FL 32448

3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
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Funeral Service

Oct
11

Mt. Tabor Missionary Baptist Church

3695 Popular Springs Road

Marianna, Florida 32446

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
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Interment

Oct
11

Mt. Tabor Baptist Church Cemetery

3695 Popular Springs Road

Marianna, Florida 32446

3:00 PM
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