Velma Louise Bell was born November 5, 1944, in Quitman, Georgia to Mary Hewitt and Frank Hill. She attended Brooks County Schools.

She met and married the love of her life, Willie C. Bell, Sr.Soon after, Velma accepted Christ and was baptized at Simmon Hill Church. She attended Albany Cathedral with her aunt Laura Mae Tarver, where she met the prophetess Mollie Crowder who later became her pastor. Pastor Crowder introduced her to Pastor Ida Austin and she served with Pastor Austin as the Deaconess of Pot of Gold Outreach Ministry in Quitman, Georgia.

Velma was a loving wife, mother, aunt, grandmother and great grandmother who dedicated her life to her family and creating a warm welcoming home. She was the matriarch of the family, known for her unmatched hospitality and tireless devotion. She worked full time at the Presbyterian Home until her retirement in 2007. She loved western movies, cookouts, singing, writing, shopping, fishing and playing Bingo. She offered love, prayers, meals and support to everyone she met.

On Friday, March 27, 2026, Velma left this earthly life. She was a true soldier of the cross for her family and all who knew her and now deserves to be carried to the skies on flowery beds of ease.

Preceding her in death are her husband, Willie C. Bell. Sr., her parents, Mary Hewitt and Frank Hill, two brothers John Henry Hill, Robert Hewitt, two sisters Bertha Hewitt-Duncan and Thelma D. Hill-Johnson, an Aunt Laura MaeParson, a son, Ralph Bell, a Son-In-Law, Eugene McGhee,Sr., a granddaughter, Arnesha Griffin, a grandson Tony McGhee and a dear friend Pastor Elizabeth Miller.

She leaves to cherish her memory: one sister, Susie Wilson of Cleveland, Ohio.

Four children: Velma Marie, Nora McGhee (Willie), Mary McGhee (the late Eugene Sr.), and Willie C. Bell Jr. and a special niece Veronica Virgil.

Eighteen grandchildren: Natisha McGhee, Lameka McGhee, Willie McGhee, Jr., Sasha McGhee (Ben Joel), Prince McGhee, Sr. (Alesha), Jasmine McGhee, William McGhee, Sr., Keith McGhee, Tishaun McGhee, James McGhee, Pamela McGhee, Helen Scoggin (Mikey), Eugenia Johnson (Deandre’), Eugene McGhee, Jr., Moesha McGhee, Breanna McGhee, Nicholas McGhee and Keyonna McGhee.

Eighteen great-grandchildren: Adia McGhee, Willie McGhee III, Tamia McGhee, Rianna McGhee, KamodieMcGhee, Prince McGhee Jr., Cornell McGhee, James McGhee, William McGhee, Jr., Merci McGhee, Tyriana McGhee, Kyrie Griffin, Gracie Scoggin, Asia Johnson, Alexander Johnson, Aria Johnson, Andre’ Johnson and Avery Hollis.

One great-great grandson, Jaylen McGhee, and grandcat Gracie Bell.

Her best friend: Mrs. Arridean Jackson (Quitman, GA), a dear friend, Mr. Edward Jones (Waterbury, CT), prayer partners Vernola Armour and Dietria Armour-Boyd as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other family and friends.

Visitation will be Saturday, April 11, 2026 at the Stevens-McGhee chapel from 1PM-6PM.

Home going services will be Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 2PM at Simmon Hill Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery with Pastor Ida Austin, officiating. Visit this website to view a livestream of the celebration on Sunday.

Continue to pray along with the family during this trying hour.