Ms. Johnnie L. Bell

Johnnie Lee Bell was born July 2, 1930, to her parents Jimmie Lee and Ananias Harris in Scott, Arkansas. Johnnie transitioned to Her Heavenly Home on July 14th, 2021, at 1:50 a.m. At the time of her transition, she was surrounded by her loving children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She Married Lawrence Boyd Randall on April 6th, 1948. There were six children born of this union: Harold Randall, Frederick Randall, Lawrence (Teresa) Randall, Gerry Stewart, Myron (Debra) Randall and Michael “Ricky” A. Randall. She later married Reverend James Arthur Bell on June 29, 1958. Born of this union were, Jamie L. (James) Bell-Hollins, Thelma A. Bell, James P. (Sonya) Bell, Stephanie J. (Gerald) Gunter, Jeffrey T. (Joann) Bell, David S. Bell, Denormous T. (Sharon) Bell. Johnnie has one other child whom she adopted, Mckenzie M. (John) Bell. In addition to their own Children, Johnnie and the late Rev. James A. Bell had the privilege of raising four Grandchildren. Demetrious (Nicole) Bell, Donna (Willie) Williams, Charity (Cornell) Burton, and Larnitra Joy (Earl) Bell-Butler. On this side of Glory, Johnnie received a High School Diploma a Teaching Certificate as well as a Nursing Certificate. She was a School Teacher in Little Rock, Arkansas, she worked as a CNA, at Berrien General Hospital In Berrien Springs, MI, after relocating to Peoria, IL. She worked for Kimberly Quality Care as a CNA until she retired and spent the rest of her natural life surrounded by those whom she loved. Johnnie fellow-shipped with several congregations, where she served in (The Nurses Guild and Varies Women's Auxiliaries); Waters Temple COGIC, Little Rock, Arkansas, Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, Benton Harbor Michigan, and later relocated to Peoria, IL, where she attended Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church, True Spirit Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of her Loving Son, Pastor Lawrence R. Randall, Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Jimmy D. Burnside, and later settling at the New Jerusalem Center For Worship under the leadership of her Loving Son Reverend Jeffrey T. Bell until her transition home. She was preceded in her death by her loving parents: Jimmie Lee and Ananias Harris. Three sons: Pastor Lawrence Raymond Randall, Frederick Randall, and Harold Randall. Three brothers: William “Sonny” Harris, Ananias “Bill” Harris, and Lawrence Eugene Harris. Four Sisters: Ernestine Harris, Catherine Ellis, Ruby Harris, and JimmieZine Harris. Her Grandson: Larris Butler. Her Great Grandson: Anthony Leon Hunt Jr. Her Loving Husband: the Late Reverend James A. Bell. A special thanks to her Caregivers Jeffrey and JoAnn Bell, McKenzie Bell, Thelma Bell, Jamie Bell, Larnitra Butler, Donna Williams, Ashley Tillman and Toni Walker. Johnnie leaves to mourn Her Passing; 14 Children, 2 sisters: Alfreda Harris and Parthenia Harris, 54 Grandchildren the last of which (Malachi Tate, born to Mckenzie M. Bell & John Tate) was born just 5 days before her transition, 109 Great Grandchildren, and 26 Great-Great Grandchildren. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Wednesday July 21, 2021, at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church at 10:00 a.m. with visitation commencing one hour prior at 9:00 a.m. Pastor Patrick Randall will host and officiate, and Pastor Jeffrey Bell will bring the Eulogy. Johnnie will be laid to rest in Camp Butler Cemetery in Springfield, IL following Services at 2:00 p.m.

Ms. Johnnie L. Bell

July 2, 1930 - July 14, 2021