Services for Evangelist Valanderous Bell, 68, who passed away on May 30, will be held on Saturday, June 5, at League Street Church of Christ. Dr. David Lane will officiate. Visitation will be on Friday, June 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. at West Oaks Funeral Home.
Evangelist Bell was born on July 26, 1952, to Alvin and Eddie Mae Hudson Bell. Both preceded him in death. He was educated at Douglas and Sulphur Springs schools. Mr. Bell then became a long time employee at what was originally General Telephone but later became Verizon from which he retired after 35 years.
Evangelist Bell married Ronnie O. Wright on February 21, 1969, and to this union four children were born.
As a minister for over 40 years, he served at numerous churches such as The Church of Christ in Leesburg, Franklin Street in Pittsburg, Shepherd Street in Mt. Pleasant, Atlanta Street in Texarkana, MLK, Central, and Arbala Churches all in Sulphur Springs.
As a strong advocate for the city he served as City Councilman, Mayor Pro Tem and later served as Mayor; and founded the Nehemiah Foundation.
Bell leaves the following family members to mourn his passing: his wife, Ronnie Bell, and four children, Jeffrey D. Bell (Quinta) Redonna R. Hicks (Trent), Damiyon J. Bell, Yolanda R. Cleveland (Jermain). He also leaves 9 surviving grandchildren, Brittney M. Rodriguez (Carlos), Guyanna Beddington, Maya I. Thomas, Donavan J. Bell, Legend S. Bell, Zoe D. Bell, Jalik O. Cleveland, Mia J. Hicks, Jermain O. Cleveland, and two great grandchildren, Noah and Izabella Rodriguez.
He also leaves to mourn two brothers and two sisters: Calvin Bell (Perlita), Richard Bell (Brenda), Evelyn Holeman, and Gwen Bell. He was proceded in death by his two brothers, Benjamin Bell and Kenneth Bell.
Arrangements are under the direction of West Oaks Funeral Home. www.westoaksfuneralhome.com
