Phyllis Bell

PHYLLIS JEAN BELL was born in Delbarton, West Virginia on May 11, 1943, the last of 10 children to parents Rev. James Washington, Sr., and Callie C. Washington. Phyllis slipped peacefully into her eternal rest, responding to the call of her Heavenly Father on Tuesday afternoon, February 2, 2021 at Einstein Montgomery Hospital, East Norriton, PA.  Phyllis professed Christ at a young age. She was a graduate of BurchHigh School, Delbarton, West Virginia and studied business at Williamson Trade School, West Virginia in 1962.

After trade school Phyllis moved to Cleveland, OH looking for work then  toNorristown, PA where she reunited and married childhood friend Charles Edward Bell, Sr. in 1967. Phyllis and Charles loved children; while raising their 3 children they also raised 3 additional children.

They joined Siloam Baptist Church, Norristown, PA as Sunday School teachers; Phyllis sang in the choir and was an active member of the Missionaries. Eventually, Phyllis moved her membership to Zion Baptist Church, Ambler, PA. While at Zion she sang on the choir and was President of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Suburban Baptist Association. Phyllis remained at Zion until her death.

Phyllis always worked hard for her family as she worked at Philco Ford, Lansdale, PA for 15 years, Montgomery County Prison, Eagleville, PA for 25 years, and Ports of the World/Boscovs as restaurant manager, stockroom and cashier; and eventually retired to spend time with her grandchildren. Many people on the job and off the job lovingly referred to her as “Ma Bell”.  

Phyllis loved to bowl and joined the Powder Puff Bowling League for several years. 

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Charles Edward Bell, Sr., daughter, Michele Lynn Bell-Payne and a great grandson, Jasir Mackey. Phyllis’ siblings who preceded her in death were brothers, James Washington, Jr. (WWII vet.) and Leon Washington Sr.; sisters, Flora Mae Franklin, Betty Eaves, Lola Kimbrough, Willie Joplin, and Zypherine Kelly.

Phyllis leaves behind to mourn daughter, Norma Washington, Norristown, PA; twin sons, Charles Edward Bell, Jr., Norristown, PA, [grandchildren, Malikah, Kennedy,Londyn, and Karter]; and Edward Charles Bell, Sr., Norristown, PA, [grandchildren, Edward Charles Jr. “EJ”, and Ashley Marie]; daughter, Keisha Sloan-Ware (David) of Philadelphia, PA [grandson, Markell]; daughter, Heather Sloan, New Jersey [grandsons, Rafique, Jarrett, and Jarrod] and grandson Martyn Payne, (Tierra); {great grandchildren, Greysen, Milana, Za’myrah, Aazim, Aazir, and Taniyah}; and 2 siblings, Dorothy Washington, W. Virginia and First Sargent Irving Washington Sr. (Lilly Mae) Indianapolis, IN; Phyllis was very proud of her brother’s military service: 2 Purple Hearts, 2 Bronze Stars, and 1 Combat Infantry Badge. God Children: David Blake, Derrick and Danielle Hodo; Stephen, Carly, and Jordan King; a very dear friend, Alice Downing and a host of loving family and friends.

To God be the Glory!

Lovingly and  Sadly Submitted…The Family

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