Melvin Etheridge Bell, Sr.

Brother Melvin Etheridge Bell Sr. was born on May 8, 1946, to the late Cornelius Bell and the late Beatrice Bell. He was a native of Chesapeake, Virginia. On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, he entered into eternal rest at his home in Suffolk, Virginia.

Brother Bell committed his life to Jesus Christ at an early age and was a member of Lee’s Chapel AME Church, Chesapeake Virginia until he later joined Macedonia AME Church Suffolk, Virginia, where he served as a dedicated member of the Choir and Board of Trustees. 

Melvin received his education through Chesapeake Public Schools district. Melvin met and married the love of his life, Portia Perry Bell whom he referred to as “Honey.” Melvin and Portia were blessed with 56 years of marital bliss and to this union, five devoted children (three boys and two girls) were born. 

Brother Bell was employed with Baker Roofing located in Norfolk, Virginia where he worked as a crane operator and he was dedicated to his job until retirement. Once Melvin retired, God allowed him to own and operate his own company, Bells and Sons Lawn Care. Melvin’s vision for the company was that his children would become self-sufficient and work for themselves versus corporate America. Through the years, God allowed Mr. and Mrs. Bell to watch their children and grandchildren become dedicated and fulfill the God-given vision. Brother Bell used the gift God had given him to maintain Macedonia’s church properties, Pastor Wade’s yard, and anyone else he could assist. 

Brother Bell loved the outdoors and working with his hands. On many occasions you would find him in his backyard working on his trucks and tractors, or just simply enjoying the sunshine.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and three brothers (Louis C. Bell III, Vernon Bell, and Leroy Bell). Left to cherish his memory are his sons Melvin Bell, Jr.(Karen), Don Bell, Kelvin Bell (Angela); his daughters Pamela Bell (William), Suszanne Darden (William); his brothers Earl Bell (Rita), Ernest Bell, (Lynne) and sisters Marion Hardy and Sheila Bell; 10 grandchildren James Bell (Shanita), Teron Bell, Shwanna Reese, Sataria Daughtrey, Deonte Bell, Yurica Winnegan, Jayquan Bell, Tierra Bell, Destiney Bell, and Zion Bell; 10 great-grandchildren Jayla, Tykeda, James, Christopher, Kermoni, Riley, Kayceon, Jalissa, Nakhiya, and Jakhye; and a host of family and friends. 

A public viewing will be held on 2-6pm, Friday, December 27, 2024 in the Melvin J. Blowe Chapel. A celebration of life will be held, 11am, Saturday, December 28, 2024 at Lee's Chapel A.M.E. Church, Chesapeake, VA. He will be laid to rest in the Etheridge Family Cemetery. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc.