Mildred S

Bell

"To God be the glory for the great things He has done."

Mildred Simmons Bell was born June 28, 1935, in Kershaw, South Carolina. She was the fifth child
and the baby born to the late Lee Thaniel and Eva Cook Simmons. As the baby sister of the family,
she was very caring and compassionate. She had a beautiful, heartwarming smile and was always
willing to help others when needed. Mildred accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at
the Oak Ridge Baptist Church in Kershaw, SC.
Mildred was educated in the Kershaw County Public School system. She graduated with honors in
May 1953 and received a Scholarship to Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, NC. However, after
graduation, she came to New Jersey to be with her oldest sister, Mattie Lee Lewis and her Aunt
Hattie Simmons. She immediately found employment with Industrial Mica in Englewood, NJ.
She worked for the company for over 35 years until the company closed.
Mildred was united in Holy Matrimony to the love of her life Willie Bell in 1964. They shared over
52 years of togetherness before he was called home to be with the Lord in 2016. Mildred had one
son, Mitchell Ray Simmons, but she helped her mother to raise six of her nieces and nephews,
Jeffrey and Douglas Lewis, Deborah Lewis Pate, Cindy Lewis Cook, Shelia Lewis Bracey, and Bridget
Lewis Cauthen. She also had a "Special" Bond with her niece whom she called her little sister,
Mae Frances Frazier (aka Frank).
Mildred joined Community Baptist Church of Englewood, NJ on May 1, 1973, under the leadership
of the Late Pastor Rev. Clarence Kenner. She was a dedicated and committed member. She loved
Ushering and was a staunch member. She served as the Ushers Ministry President for more than
25 years. Mildred was also a loyal member of the Trustee Ministry and a devoted member of the
Sarah M. Clark Mothers Ministry. Whether a member or in a leadership role, she gave 100 percent
of herself to whatever the task was at hand. She received many Certificates of Appreciation and
other awards for her accomplishments and endeavors.
Mildred leaves to cherish her memory, her loving son, Mitchell Ray Simmons of Jefferson, SC;
Step-Children Keith Belle of Ohio & Karen Belle of NJ: devoted sister Nancy Simmons Drakeford of
Washington, DC; Nieces: Mae Frances Frazier (Robert), MD; Debbie Pate, Cindy Cook, Shelia Bracey,
Evelyn Shannon of SC; Nephews: Jeffery and Douglas Lewis; Samuel, Charles and Edward Lee
Simmons of SC and Roger Simmons of NC. Sisters-in-Laws Magnolia Jones, Ruth Turlington, Lois
Belle, Charlie Mae Belle, Sara Belle and Rose Belle; Brothers-in-Laws Curtis and Floyd Belle; God
Children, Regina Belle, Mychael Harris, and the Late Kimberly Frazier Robinson. She also leaves a
host of other nieces, nephews, other family members, and a large extended family through her
beloved Church; including a special friend, Mother Shirley Beckham, Mr. Zeke, a special friend who
was like a son to her, neighbor Patricia Lefevere, and a host of other friends and loved ones. She
was preceded in death by her parents Lee Thaniel and Eva Simmons, husband: Willie Bell; sister,
Mattie Lee Lewis; brothers Sam Pate and Lee Thaniel Simmons, Jr. and niece Bridget Cauthen.