Gerald Arlton Bell Sr.

Born on July 23, 1944, Gerald was the youngest child of Gerald U. Bell, a.k.a. Boise and Olivebelle Bell. Raised in New Orleans, LA. he was one of two kids. All who knew Gerald knew he loved music. Gerald was a self-taught musician who favored playing the drums. He also played piano, guitar, and base guitar. He was part of the Booker T. Washington High School band as a drummer. He graduated in 1962 and played professionally as a drummer in New Orleans.

Gerald served in the United States Army during the Vietnam era. Though he never spoke of the things that plagued him during those times he knew that experience would affect him for the rest of his life. Gerald had a desire to search for a better life, a hope, spiritual truths that he found by way of driving public transportation due to someone introducing the truth to him.

He accepted a bible study along with his wife Beryl and they were baptized in 1974 as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. As years progressed Gerald went to work for Lockheed Martin and proudly retired in 2004.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Carmaine J. Bell. He leaves behind his loving wife of 49 years, Beryl Bell; 5 children, Desmond A. Bell, Carlaina J. Bell, Gerald A. Bell Jr. and wife Alisha Bell, Damien A. Bell, Arian N. Bell; 6 grandchildren, Sade N. Davis and husband LeRon Davis, Jahari M. Bell, DevRene Vinson and husband Karl Vinson, Devin Umoru, DeVonna Bell, Alex M. Bell; 4 great grandchildren; Mother in law, Victoria P. Williams; Brother in law, Wilson Ray Williams Jr.; Sister in law, Ella T. Williams; and a host of family and friends.

Gerald A. Bell Sr., Husband, Father, and Friend will be greatly missed.