Family Tributes
When the tears subside, The space where the void resides, Is filled with gratitude for lessons learned. You taught more than we could have earned. Grateful for time spent, Grateful for strength lent, Grateful for expertise imparted, With love you regarded, Always in our hearts, Forever in our minds.
Your Grandchildren
I remember all the good times we had as I grew up. I often saw the love in your face along with the quiet reserve and peaceful nature you possessed. You were a man of few words but when you spoke you gave good sound advice with much wisdom. I will cherish your presence all my days and miss you endlessly. Rest in Heaven. Love your niece,
Alisha Bell BROKEN CHAIN We little knew that day that God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly; in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone; for part of us went with you, the day God called you home. You left us peaceful memories; your love is still our guide, and though we cannot see you, you are always at our side. Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same, but as God calls us one by one, the Chain will link again.
Your Cousin-Sisters We love you Sammy Lee,
Quiet, reserved, loving and kind These are the words that come to mind when I think of you. Most of my life, I would hear others say that I was a lot like you, And that would make me smile; Because I knew what a loving kindhearted person you were. I will miss your smiles and hugs. If tears could build a stairway & memories a pathway, I would walk right up to Heaven and bring you back! I love you always!
Kim Ceylon Bell Your Niece,
Daddy, Thank you for the strong foundation that you and Mom laid for us. Life would have been a lot more uncertain without that foundation built on love. You both created a home for us where family values, integrity, honesty, good work ethic and accountability were instilled. No home is perfect; however, we thank God that we were secure in knowing that you always had our backs. You shared your point of view and allowed us to do the same; in a respectful manner of course. You were there for every event where we participated; from football games, to violin recitals, to helping in the rearing of your grandchildren. You were always there Daddy. With patience and support you guided us as we dealt with life’s struggles. You taught us to believe we could do all things and never to fear trying. You told us to always remember what we had gone through so that we could make the decision as to whether or not to continue in or repeat it. Your quietly spoken wisdom is so appreciated. You will forever be on our minds and in our hearts as we continue this journey. We will see you again Daddy. Until then, no day will ever be the same. We love you Daddy. We know God’s grace and mercy covered you.
Your Children
Life Reflections
Sammy Lee Bell Sr. was born to Slyvester Buggs and Mattie Elisabeth Bell on June 20, 1943, in Bailey, Tennessee. Sammy accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior and was baptized at St. Thomas Missionary Baptist Church. Sammy attended Manasas High School where he played football. In 1968, he was drafted in the United States Army where he fought during the Vietnam War. He worked for International Harvester as a machine operator until the plant closed in 1983. Sammy retired from Cargill. Sammy and Mattie M. Bell were joined in holy matromony on March 13, 1971, until his transition on Christmas Day. They would have celebrated 50 years of marriage in 2021. Marriage has challenges; however, the two made the decision that divorce was not an option for them. They maintained a very special friendship, an extraordinary relationship, and could always depend on one another. Holidays, births of grandchildren, and events in the lives of loved ones were always shared. Our beloved Sammy enjoyed life to the fullest. He often spent time with his family camping, fishing, boating, or having backyard cookouts. He loved shooting pool, fast cars, and hanging with his breakfast buddies at Krystals. He was a Steelers fan, but enjoyed rooting for the Tennessee Titans. Sammy was always willing to lend a helping hand with a friendly smile as he maintained a humble and peaceful countenance. He loved his family dearly. The Lord received Sammy in His loving arms on Christmas Day, December 25, 2020. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mattie Elisabeth Bell; older brother, David Lee Bell; and baby brother, Donald Bryant Bell. His memories are cherished by devoted wife, Mattie M. Bell; daughter, Martresha Michelle Bell; son, Sammy Lee Bell Jr. (Crystal); daughter, Angelia Denise Jones-Andino; grandson, Martavius Jones; granddaughter, Kandice Jones; grandson, Joshua Tahron Berkley; grandson, Jalen Jamal Bell (Logan); granddaughter, Bria Raquelle Berkley; grandson, Travarus Terez Bell (Kennedy); granddaughters, Kya Elyon and Lauren DeAnn Taylor; great-granddaughter Haiden Aubrey Bell; great-grandson, Egypt Jalen Bell; great-grandsons Kenderius and Zayen Jones; greatgranddaughter, Zyla Jones; a host of neices, nephews, cousins, friends, long time neighbors, and a special place in his heart for Dennis and Angela Taylor.
Order of Service
Procession. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Family of Sammy Lee Bell Sr. Scripture Reading: Old Testament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pulpit New Testament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pulpit Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pulpit Solo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs. Capri Talley
~ Remembering Sammy, Sr. ~ Expressions by Family & Friends (Three Minutes, please)
Poem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ms. Kela Jones
~ Silent Reading of the Obituary ~ Acknowledgment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sis. Sandra D. Harris Solo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs. Lise Parker The Eulogy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pastor Edrin L. Alexander Recessional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Family of Sammy Lee Bell Sr. At the family’s request, the remains will not be viewed following the eulogy.
Acknowledgment
“May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.” (Ruth 2:12, NIV) We, the family of Sammy Lee Bell Sr., wish to express our sincere thanks for your comforting prayers, cards, flowers, calls, texts, e-mails, visits and acts of kindness during this time. We ask that you continue to remember us in your prayers. We pray for your continued growth in grace and harmony with God’s will.
Sammy Lee Bell, Jr. Kevin D. Parker
Patrick Parker Randall A. Berkley
Active Pallbearers Jalen J. Bell Cory L. Parker
Honorary Pallbearers Carlton Williams Ronald A. Berkley
Joshua T. Berkley Cord D. Williams
Travarus T. Bell
Interment
Memorial Park South Woods s 5485 Hacks Cross Road s Memphis, Tennessee 38125
Arrangements Entrusted To
MJ Edwards Funeral Home s 4445 Stage Road s Memphis, Tennessee 38128 Program Design by Precious Memories Graphics & More, (901) 257-9124.