Rev. Simmeon Bell

Reverend Simmeon Bell was born February 22, 1940, in Colquitt, Georgia.  He was the son of Mr. Richard and Mrs. Hattie Fudge Bell.

After graduating Bethel High School in Colquitt, he joined the United States Air Force, where he served honorably for twenty-two years and retired as a Master Sergeant.  While serving in the Air Force, he met and married Elizabeth, and to their union were born two children, Simmeon Bell Jr. and Sharon “Shay” Bell.  In later years after the death of his wife, he met and married MaLinda Jew and gained three more children:  May Scott, Diane Adams and Joe Green.

Simmeon started preaching while in Alaska, later moving to Ohio then Columbus, Georgia, where he started and pastored Christ Tabernacle Church.  After serving there a few years, he moved to Valdosta, Georgia, and joined Saint James Baptist Church, where he served as Assistant Pastor.  Reverend Bell also joined and served at New Jerusalem Church in Valdosta.

On Friday, April 15, 2022, he entered Eternal Rest after a lengthy illness.  He was preceded in death by his first wife Elizabeth, parents Richard and Hattie, brother Hiram Bell, sister Hattie Williams and stepson Joe Green.

He leaves to cherish his memories two  children, Simmeon Bell Jr. and Sharon “Shay” Bell, both of Valdosta, GA; two stepdaughters, May Scott and Diane Adams, both of Detroit, MI;  granddaughter, Jerrica Arnett of Atlanta, GA; stepmother, Neatha Lee Bell of Ft. Myers, FL; three sisters:  Stella Jones of Bainbridge, GA, Clara Benton of Colquitt, GA, and Sharon Christine Bell of Ft. Myers, FL; five brothers: Hubert Bell of Thomasville, GA, Armie J. Bell (Betty) of Brooksville, VA, Rev. Thomas Bell (Corene) of Bainbridge, GA, Fred Bell of Albany, GA, and Kenny Joe Bell (Tonya) of Jacksonville, FL; a special niece who was like a sister, Annie K. McIntyre of Bainbridge, GA; a special caretaker, Elizabeth Lacey of Valdosta, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.