JESSE BELL

Reverend Jesse James Bell was the youngest child of Sullivan Bell and Mariah Waller-Bell (both deceased). He was born, raised and educated in Caddo Parish of Shreveport, Louisiana. At the age of 16, he went into the army and was stationed in Japan his entire service career. Likewise, his time in Japan granted him becoming fluent in the Japanese language and was considered bilingual. After returning home from service he remained in Louisiana for a short period and then set his sights on the big city of Dallas, TX. Upon arriving in Dallas, TX, Reverend Jesse James Bell soon acknowledged his calling into the ministry and was ordained as a minister in March, 1952. Reverend Bell immediately stepped into ministry as he pastored several churches from 1952 – 1961. Also during these years, he continued his ministerial education at Bishop College of Dallas. He was a graduate of Interracial Baptist Fellowship Institute, Southwestern Theological Seminary and Phillip Institute of Atlanta, Georgia It was in September, 1961 when Reverend Jesse James Bell was called to be senior pastor of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and it remained his home until the church building disintegrated in late 1990’s. During his pastor ship at Pleasant Grove, he served the Dallas metroplex in various roles/capacities. While serving as Pastor, he certainly had his bout with challenges too, as he was afflicted with and yet totally healed of brain cancer along with numerous other attacks. Of course there was no affliction that could waver his walk and calling. In his own words, “I can live this life but once, therefore, I must make well my tasks.” Reverend Bell was not only a Counselor, Preacher, Teacher, a Spiritual Father, but a dedicated humanitarian as well. He continued to work tirelessly to bring souls to Christ through the radio stations KNOK and KNON, all while diligently working with countless charities and ministries. Reverend Bell gave his all in helping to finance all of the charities and ministries all while believing God’s word….. “He that giveth to the poor lendeth to the Lord.” Proverbs 19:17, Matthew 19:42 and Mark 9:41. In his latter days, besides his passionate service to charity ministries, he continued to spend most of his time dissecting scripture, reading through the entire bible numerous times and ministering to his family to bring the lost to Christ. Reverend Jesse James Bell fought a good fight, finished his course, and is now in heaven to receive his crown. He doesn’t want us to weep for him, because he led by example that only what you do for Christ will last. (Relative to the scripture of 2 Corinthians 5:9-10) Preceded Reverend Jesse James Bell in death: Josephine Lewis Bell Johnson, Elvira Prim Bell, Cia Kennedy Lee, 2 brothers – Sullivan Bell, Haneef Alhafeez Bakka (born Henry Bell), one loving sister – Alma Bell Cook, son – Supt. James W. Hunt, Jr, grandson – Deion Bell and great grandson – Xavier Robertson He leaves to carry on his Legacy: CHILDREN: Arthur James Bell, Patricia Bell Hunt, Gwendolyn Bell Morris, Mae Daniels, Angel Bell Adopted Children – Billy Kennedy & Chris Kennedy GRANDCHILDREN – A. Yvette Runnels (Alvin), Kenneth Adams (Angie), Yanina Adams, Jimmy Morris, Jr, LaShandra Robertson (Terrell), Gwendolyn “Precious” Morris, Dewaylon Daniels (Anquinette), Trey Daniels, Xixtou Bell (Alexis), Le’Dereon Bell Peters GREAT GRANDS – Anaya Mason, Alvin Runnels II, Aaron Runnels, Kenneth Adams Jr, Ashley Adams, Mariah Washington-Adams, Brycen Goldsmith, Jazzmin Robertson, Joshua Robertson, Cherwaylon Daniels, Dewaylon Daniels Jr, D’ari Daniels, Rikki Daniels, D’isis Daniels, D’igensis Daniels, D’oblo Daniels, London Daniels, Jaliyah Daniels, Debrodrick Daniels, Xixtou Bell II, Peace James Bell GREAT, GREAT GRANDS – Aiden John Adams AND a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.