Jessie M. Bell

Jessie M. Bell, a beacon of love and kindness, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2024, surrounded by her adoring family in Bridgeport, CT. Born on August 16, 1939, in Greenville, Mississippi, Jessie's life was a testament to her faith-filled spirit and her unwavering dedication to her family and community.
Jessie, affectionately known as the matriarch of her family, leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories with her children, Wanda Myles, Deborah Bell-Johnson, and Robert Bell. Her six grandchildren, Jessica, Zenada, Stephanie, Rasheena, Destiny, and Thomas, along with her seven great-grandchildren, will continue to be inspired by her life. Jessie also leaves her beloved uncle, Carl Allen, an ex-husband, Robert Bell and a host of cousins and friends who will miss her dearly. She was pre-deceased by her parents, Johnny and Rosie Myles and Harold Allen, a loving friend.
Her educational journey began at Coleman High School in her hometown of Greenville, Mississippi and continued as she pursued further learning at Housatonic Community College and Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. Jessie's commitment to education was evident in her career as a paraprofessional with the Bridgeport Public Schools, where she nurtured the minds of young students for over 35 years until her retirement.
Jessie's involvement with organizations such as A.B.C.D., Winston Dina VFW Post 9991, Colonial Charles Young American Legion Post 140 and Oriental #8 of the Eastern Star reflected her commitment to service and her desire to contribute to the welfare of her community. Her dedication to these groups was matched only by her passion for her interests, which included cooking, traveling, and most importantly, hosting family gatherings. Jessie's home was often filled with the aroma of her delicious cooking and the laughter of loved ones.
Those who knew Jessie would describe her as a loving and kind soul, always ready to lend a helping hand or offer words of encouragement. Her love and faith in the Lord were the cornerstone of her existence, guiding her through life's challenges and joys. As Maya Angelou once said, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. Her life was a beautiful illustration of how one person's love and kindness can touch so many lives. She was a woman of strength and grace, always putting the needs of others before her own. Her children and grandchildren are a testament to her enduring love and the values she instilled in them.
As we bid farewell to Jessie M. Bell, we celebrate a life well-lived, full of joy, generosity, and unwavering faith. Her spirit will continue to guide us, and her memory will remain a blessing. May her soul rest in eternal peace, and may we find solace in the knowledge that her life was a gift to all who knew her.