James Lee Bell

James Lee Bell was the first-born son of George and Estelle Bell; he was born in Nottoway County, Virginia.

He was educated in Lunenburg County Public School system.

He joined and was baptized as a youth at St. Matthew's Baptist Church in Kenbridge, Virginia.

He joined the US Army in 1966 after graduating high school, with his best friend Vincent Cheatham on the Buddy system. He served in the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in 1969.

After leaving the army, he decided to reside in Washington, DC where he met Regina Barnes and they later conceived his daughter, Rashida Bell together. While a resident in Washington, DC he attended Park Road Community Church.

He worked for several years at Blue Cross Blue Shield. He started a career at WMATA as a Bus Operator and Station Manager. After twenty-five years of service, he retired and moved to Virginia. He then worked part-time at Lunenburg Correctional Center in Victoria, Virginia.

During his return in Virginia, he became a member of Friendship Baptist Church in Kenbridge, Virginia. He served in the Senior Usher Ministry and Trustee Ministry.

He volunteered at the Mecklenburg Senior Citizens Food Bank, Kenbridge/Victoria Lions Club, and he was also an active member of Post #7166 VFW & Auxiliary and local Million Man March Club.

He loved to go fishing, golfing, playing chess, hand dancing, gardening, and playing a good game of cards. He enjoyed Jazz, Blues, and Gospel music. He loved to watch a good old Western movie. He loved to host and cook for family and friends' gatherings. He also enjoyed helping people in need, especially Seniors and needy families.

He is preceded in death by six sisters, Dorothy Blackwell (John), Estelle Bell, Esther Mae Bell, Lucy Bell, Bobbie Jean James (Ernest), Jacqueline Pegram; one brother, Joe C. Bell. and a loving devoted aunt, Janie "Auntie" Bell.

James leaves to cherish him; wife, Shirley Bell; daughter, Rashida Dinkins; two sisters, Patricia Bell and JoseMae Bell; two brothers, Rufus Bell (Neveda Miller) and Edward Bell; his adopted daughter, Allison Jackson; one sister-in-law, Margie Drumgold (Joseph) and one brother-in-law, Eugene E. Johnson (Melinda), and very dear friends, Steve & Robin Givens, Stephen & Sylvia Covington, Daniel Walker, Joseph Streat, Sandy Ross, Dorthy Saunders, Marvin & Theresa Washington, Sandra Shye, Spellman & Marcia Boyd; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.