Emma Lou Bell

Emma Lou “Louvenia” Jenkins Bell was born April 3, 1933, the daughter of Joseph and Lillie Mae Jenkins in Lulu, Florida. The family moved to Lawtey shortly after her birth. She was the oldest daughter of their 11 children. She was always lovingly called “Sistuh''.

She received her education from Lawtey Training School and RJE High School leaving in the 11th grade to take care of the family. She also attended the Vocational School in Starke where she learned to sew. She was an excellent seamstress who made most of the clothing for herself and her children, even suits for her sons and daughters.

She worked as a seamstress at the sewing factory, Bradford County Hospital housekeeping dept and custodian with Bradford County Schools until retirement. After retirement she was a loving caretaker to many in our community.

She accepted Christ at an early age and was a lifetime member of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church of Lawtey where she served as a Stewardess for over 50 years. Frequently she would serve as Mistress of Ceremony for programs.  She was a prayer warrior and was constantly praying for her family, friends, church members, and this world.  She had a heart for God and wanted everyone to know the Lord and act right.  She was united in holy matrimony to Freddie Douglas Bell and from this union six children were born.

Emma was a true servant of God and she instilled this in her brothers, sisters, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She was always a lady and paid meticulous attention to her attire, even at the age of 88.

Many loved ones preceded Mother Bell including her husband, Freddie Douglas; sons, Freddie Lorenzo, Tony Andrew and Dancy Daniel; grandson, Franklin Douglas Bell, Jr. (Junior); brothers and sisters, Carlton (Mattie), Melvin (Martha), Wilbert (Jessie), Paul (Marzie), Dorothy, Joseph and Naomi. Emma Lou Bell was born into eternity on September 30, 2021 in her home where she had lived for 70 years.

She leaves to cherish her memory, children, Franklin Douglas Bell (Wanda), Vivian Bell Ramseur (Elder Byron), and Lisa A. Young; daughters-in-law, Pamela Bell, and Erma Bell; sister, Mary Brown (Charlie); brothers, Silas Jenkins and Malachi Jenkins; sister-in-law, Charlie Mae Jenkins; brother-in-law, Truman Strong; grandchildren, Sekennia, Thea (Domonic), Javongia, Freddie Jr. (Latoyia), Yolanda, Patrice, Jyacara, Emmali (Joshua), James, Calvin, LaClaire, Joshua, Sondra and Robert (Brandi); twenty-three great grandchildren; special niece, Joan Burns; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and members of the Mt. Zion AME Church family; special lifetime friends, Harridelle Bright and Dorothy Moore.

Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Northside is serving the Family.

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