Dr. H.B. Bell a loving husband, father, grandfather and educator passed away on Friday May 25, 2012. Dr. Bell was born on April 13, 1938 in Smith County Texas to the union of John Henry and Pauline Bell. Dr. Bell was the second child of six children.
He attended Prairie View A&M University where he majored in Biology and English. Dr. Bell returned to Prairie View A&M University where he earned his Master’s degree in Administration/Supervision. Dr. Bell continued his educational pursuits and received a Doctorate of Education degree in 1981 from Texas A&M University-Commerce (Formally, East Texas State University).
He began his career in education by serving as the Assistant Dean of Men and Professor in English at Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi. After leaving Mississippi in 1963, he secured a teaching position at James Madison High School and Pinkston High School. He advanced through the administrative ranks of the Dallas Independent School District serving as a campus administrator at Boude Story Junior High School and North Dallas High School. After his tenure as a campus administrator, Dr. Bell transitioned into central administration where he served in senior executive level positions in numerous departments. He also served as an Adjunct Professor at Texas A&M University-Commerce and CEO of his own educational consulting company. His career spanned over forty-two years, retiring in 2005.
Dr. Bell served as a National Blue Ribbon school evaluator where he traveled throughout the country evaluating schools and their educational programs. He served as a consultant for the National Association of Secondary School Principals. Dr. Bell will be best remembered for his long and sustained contributions and interests in education and the community’s children and youth. Dr. Bell lead with a steady hand, competent scholarship and leadership in nudging, directing, and encouraging students, parents and educators to be serious about their education as a pathway to a successful future.
Dr. Bell was engaged in many civic organizations throughout the city and supported his community through volunteering and service. He was a member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Inc, Alpha Epsilon Boule and a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He also belonged to the National Alliance of Black School Educators, NAACP, the Dallas SET club and served as a past president of the Cotillion Idlewild Club.
Dr. Bell earned numerous awards during his educational career. He was recognized by the Texas House of Representatives as an Outstanding Educator. He was also recognized as the Distinguished Alumnus by both Prairie View A&M University and Texas A&M University-
Dr. Bell is survived by his wife Susie and beloved daughters, Diedrae Carron Bell-Hunter, Dionica Britte Bell, Halice Jacquelyn Furtado (Kenneth) and his granddaughter Peyton Elise Bell-Hunter, sisters, Polly Ann Williams, Verna Carroll, brothers Matthew Bell (Tina), Timothy Bell (Trina), nieces, nephews and a host of family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, John Henry and Pauline Bell; brother John Henry Bell, Junior.
Family visitation will be held on May 31, 2012 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 West Northwest Highway, Dallas, Texas 75225.
A celebration of Dr. Bell’s life will be held on June 1, 2012 at 11:00am at Northway Christian Church, 7202 West Northwest Highway, Dallas, Texas 75225.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to one of the following organizations:
Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated
Dr. H. B. Bell Scholarship Fund
Alpha Epsilon Boule Foundation
Sigma Pi Phi Scholarship
Dr. Yondell Moore
6637 Putting Green Drive
Dallas, TX 75232
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated
Dr. H.B. Bell Scholarship Fund
Alpha Merit Group Incorporated
Alpha Sigma Lambda Chapter
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
P. O. Box 153123
Dallas, Texas 75315
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