Elnora Bell

Elnora Watson, affectionately known as "Nora" was born on January 21, 1937, in
Doyline, Louisiana, to Jesse and Mary Watson. Elnora was the baby child of six children.
She was a miracle baby. They mistakenly thought she was a tumor but deceived them
all. She came out of the womb with resilience and determination.
The family moved from Doyline, Louisiana to Shreveport, Louisiana. Elnora received
her formal education and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. While
attending Booker T., she met her childhood sweetheart, Welton Bell. They were united
in holy matrimony on August 5, 1952. Their union was beautifully blessed with eight
children. In 1955, Welton enlisted into the United States Navy. As a result, Welton
received new duty station assignment orders and was transferred to San Diego,
California in 1962.
Although Elnora gave birth to eight children, she provided day care for many other
children, including her own grandchildren. The children under her care grew up to be
productive citizens of society and stayed in communication with her. She was stern in
raising her children, as well as others in her care. She strongly believed in children
respecting adults, themselves, and was determined to bring out the best in them by any
means necessary. She had high expectations for her children and demanded excellence.
You did not have to wonder where she stood, she spoke her mind, although sometimes
it was raw and direct. She was humorous and had a beautiful contagious smile. Some of
her favorite sayings were, "Shut yo mouth," "I'm telling you direct, and in plain English,"
"bless your heart", and lastly, "I see you coming", of which she affectionately shared with
her daughter-in-love, Sylvia Wiley.
She was such a nurturer and loving daughter, mother, sister, auntie, cousin, and friend
to many. She always exhibited strength, class, grace, and elegance, while maintaining
her sweet, sincere and plain-spoken personality. She loved to shop and was known as a
fashionista. She ensured that she was presentable, from head to toe, on every occasion.
Nora united with Pilgrim Progressive Baptist Church in 1976, under the leadership of
the late, Dr. Marvin C. Hines. The baton was passed to the late Rev. Joseph Foxworth.
She served in various ministries - the Senior Mission, Sunday School Department,
Kitchen Committee, as a Hines Special Worker, and the Women's Chorus on 5 th
Sundays. Additionally she cooked countless dishes for the homeless committee and
numerous church functions. The baton was passed again to Rev. Donnell Townsend. She
remained a faithful member until her health began to fail. She never complained but
displayed courage and vigor.
On June 23, 2024, at 1:11AM., God called his angel home. Her heart was full of love, but
not strong enough to continue this journey. Nora took her last breath on earth, and her
first breath in heaven. She was preceded in death by her husband (Welton Bell), mother
(Mary Watson), father (Jesse Watson), sisters, (Savannah Hall, Annie Rose Simpson
and Lula Bea Young), brother, (Moses Watson), and daughter, Sheila Bell. She leaves to
cherish her memory, daughters, Sandra Lynn Scully (Butch Scully), of Memphis, TN,
Sharon Douglas of Dallas, TX, Mary Donald (James Martin) of San Diego, CA, Janet
Rene Henderson (James Henderson) of San Diego, CA, Charlotte Williams of Surprise,
AZ, Danny Bell (Jenna Bell) of San Diego, CA and Shanda Bell-Smith (Ralph Smith) of
Ramona, CA; Sister, Omeria Coleman of Shreveport Louisiana, fourteen grandchildren,
28 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews,
and friends who will mourn her passing, yet celebrate her life.
Soon I will be done with the troubles of the world
No more weeping and a-wailing
I want to meet my mother
I want to meet my Jesus
Soon I will be done with the troubles of the world.
I'm Goin' home to live with God...
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of ELNORA BELL, please visit our floral store.