Barbara (Bryson) Bell

 

Barbara (Bryson) Bell

Barbara Jean (Bryson) Bell
September 14, 1934 – May 7, 2010.

Barbara Jean (Bryson) Bell was born in Wichita Falls, Texas. In 1952, at the age of 18, Barbara had a beautiful baby girl, Yolanda Lea Bryson.  On July 3, 1954, during her residency in Wichita Falls, Texas, Barbara married her handsome late husband, U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant, Vernon Emanuel Bell, Sr. Barbara and Vernon moved to California where they eventually settled in Willowbrook, CA, a community located in an unincorporated part of South Central Los Angeles until about 2000. In 2000 Vernon and Barbara moved to Norwalk, California until Vernon’s passing from a long battle with cancer on October 10, 2002. After Vernon’s passing, she moved to the city of Long Beach, CA. Barbara passed away peacefully at Marlora Post Acute Rehabilitation Hospital in Long Beach, CA after a courageous 9-year battle with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Barbara was employed for several years as a Teacher’s Aide for the Compton Unified School District where she worked in several schools earning the respect of students, parents and staff members.

Barbara was one of 3 children born to the late Mary Helen Lewis-Avincula and the late James Bryson, and she was the beloved wife of the late Vernon Emanuel Bell Sr. for over 48 years. Barbara will forever be remembered by her devoted children Yolanda, David, and Vernon, Jr., and her devoted Son-in-Law Berry Fields, her only surviving brother James Bryson, her only treasured grandchild, Dey’Zha Bell, along with countless nieces, nephews, caring in-laws, friends and family whom were blessed to know her.

Barbara loved listening to Classic Gospel, Blues and Jazz music. “In the Upper Room” by Mahalia Jackson and “His Eye Is On The Sparrow” were Barbara’s favorite songs. When she could, she loved to tinker at the piano playing well-loved hymns and gospel songs. A very proud and independent woman who LOVED to cook, Barbara maintained her trademark “tell it like it is” personality all the way to the end. Barbara will be deeply missed.

Friends and family are invited to attend a very private informal one hour viewing and a brief memorial service on Saturday, May 15, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 at Stricklin / Snively Mortuary, 1952 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90806 (562) 426-3365 www.StricklinSnivelyMortuary.com

Following this brief viewing and service, there will be an informal reception held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for Barbara’s family and friends at Long Beach Christian Fellowship located at 3210 E Airport Way Long Beach, CA 90806-2408 (562) 989-6000 Family and friends are encouraged to bring a dish to share

Barbara will be interred along with her late husband Vernon in a private family ceremony at Veteran’s Cemetery, Riverside, CA., date and time to be determined.