Charles Allen Bell

Peacefully in the early morning of July 16, 2024, our beloved Charles Allen Bell at the age of eighty-one, slept into eternal rest. Charles was the eighth of eleven children born to the late Louis and Estelle Riley Bell in New Bern N.C. Growing up, he frequented the playground of St. Joseph Catholic Church where he served as an “altar boy” during daily mass services in and attended school. His early years instilled in him an intense sense of family, education, and a steadfast commitment to service. Shortly thereafter, Charles dedicated his life to Christ.

Charles attended J.T. Barber High School, where he excelled both academically and as a leader among his peers. It was during his senior year that he courted his lifelong sweetheart, Lillie Vail.

Following his high school graduation, Charles moved to New York City to pursue better opportunities, beginning his career as a chemist/supervisor at Continental Chemical Company.

His dedication, continuous learning and a new job opportunity led him to Newark, N.J. in 1964. He returned to New Bern to marry his love, Lillie. Charles joined Troy Chemical Company as a Quality Control Chemist, and this decision was the pivot that brought Charles and his family to the City of Newark.

As destiny would have it, Charles became deeply involved in local civil rights efforts and community service. He pursued further education at Rutgers University, focusing on contemporary urban problems, and later enhanced his expertise in community organization and collective bargaining at Seton Hall University, the University of Maryland, and NYU.

He was an organizer of educational training and remedial programs for union members and construction workers and became Executive Director of the Newark Housing Council. In this capacity, his office developed new housing units throughout the city. His administrative skill was well respected by the Newark Housing Authority.

Charles was an advocate for quality education and served as president of the PTA at Miller Street School. Also, in line with his passion and dedication to the children of the city of Newark, he was appointed to the Newark Board of Education by Mayor Kenneth A. Gibson in 1970. With a heart for people’s rights, he fought for an elected school board through “People United for Better Schools” and went on to serve on the board for over 25 years.

Charles’s career spanned various roles of service to the community at large; from advocating for social justice to spearheading housing initiatives as Executive Director of the Newark Housing Council.

In 2001, he became Newark’s Central Ward Councilman where his strong impact richly enhanced the lives of all Central Ward residents. Charles served on the city council for a total of two ½ terms.

The natural rhythm of Charles’ life was to serve, work – serve, study – serve, fight for what’s right- serve, teach – serve, change lives – serve, build community – serve, help the people – serve, love – serve, march – serve, push – serve, win – serve, lose – serve, give your best… and serve. A true champion for the people and a legacy that will endure for generations to come.

He leaves to cherish and continue the legacy of love, his beautifully devoted and loving wife of 60 years, Lillie Vail Bell, three adoring daughters (also known as Charlie’s Angels) and sons-in-law, Cynthia Bell-Pinkney (David); Myriam Montgomery (Selvy); and Kelli Bell-Taylor (Abdul). Eight thriving grandchildren Charles Raymel (Nikki), Ayrielle Elice, Kyle Marquise, Heaven Leigh (Eugene), Dr. Melodee Shakell, Sharee Kaniece, Jaleem Ash-eed, Kaelynn Asielle Belle, and Mariah Monique. Six Great-Grandchildren Jaxson Myles, Jurnee Marie, Jordyn Monet, Jaylen Mason, Anthony (AJ) Jermaine, and Tremaine Jabril. One brother, Levi Bell (Bonita). Two sisters, Ora Jones (Charles) and Minnie Talford (Early). Preceded in death by brothers: Pete (Pearl), William “Pop” (Monika), Richard (Sylvia), Archie (Debra), Robert “Bobby Lou” (Dorothy); and sisters Thelma “Gold Dollar” (Jack), Annie, and Doris (Wahed) – a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and devoted friends.

A Memorial Celebration of Life for Charles A. Bell
Tuesday, July 30, 2024 – 5:00 pm
The New Hope Baptist Church
106 Sussex Avenue, Newark, NJ

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