Myris Lindsey Bell

With profound sadness, the Bell family — natives of Roanoke, AL, announces the passing from this life of their beloved father and grandfather, The Reverend Myris L. Bell, 88, a resident of Chestnut Street, Roanoke, Alabama.  Reverend Bell was also serving as the Pastor of Mount Pisgah Baptist Church in Roanoke. Pastor Bell transitioned from this life on Thursday, April 14, 2022, at Bethany House Hospice, Opelika.

The Life and Legacy of Reverend Myris L. Bell

The Journey Begins

Myris L. Bell was born in Randolph County, Alabama to the parentage of Robert and Lillian Watts Bell  on March 26, 1934.  He grew up in the Randolph County, attending school and graduating from the Randolph County Training School in Roanoke, AL.

He was united in holy matrimony to the love of his life, Antonia Watson, a union which spanned sixty-five years. Together they parented a caring family of six children.  Myris, recognizing his responsibility as protector and provider for his family, was employed as a typesetter for Roanoke Leader. He later moved to Handley Mills, West Point Pepperell, Wadley Mann, Butte Knit, and Leslie Faye. He was also a school bus driver for the Randolph County Board of Education. He later became and a certified lawn mower mechanic, and the owner of Valentino’s Washeteria.

Fighting the Good Fight

Myris Bell, knowing there was more to life than what could be seen with the natural eye, gave himself to the Lord, joining the Wehadkee Baptist Church.  After being found faithful, he was called by God to carry His gospel and was licensed to preach by the Wehadkee Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. R.L. Thompson.

During his long and productive ministry, he pastored the following churches:  Mt. Pisgah Baptist, Roanoke, Mt. Olive, Jackson’s Gap, AL, Macedonia Roanoke, Mt. Zion LaFayette, Mt. Godfrey New Site, St. Paul United Methodist Opelika, St. John United Methodist LaFayette, Bell Chapel United Methodist LaFayette, Mt. Lebanon United Methodist LaFayette, Haven Chapel United Methodist LaFayette, and Mitchell Springs United Methodist LaFayette.

Rev. Bell was active in community and conventions serving as a Trustee, Randolph County Training School, member of NAACP, and Randolph County ADC, and Western Lodge 538 F&AM.  He was active in the Southwestern Union District Association as Vice Moderator and then Moderator, Friendship Western Union Association, the Northeast District, the Alabama State and National Baptist Conventions.

His Legacy Continues

The effectiveness of a life cannot be confined to a finite number of years spent on earth.  Rev. Bell’s influence continues through his loving and devoted family.  Daughters:  Sherridian Ann (Melvin) Frazier, Deborah Lynne (Melvin) Owens, Janice Denise (Whit) Allen, and Chandra Elaine (Rodney) Darden of Opelika. Sons: Felix Denard (Robin) Bell of Roanoke, and Ritchie Valentino (Delsie) Bell of Lanett.  Grandchildren:  Brian (April) Owens, Felix O’Neal, Christopher (Malissa) Frazier, Gregory Frazier, Keon (Tiffany) Buchanon, Jason (Tiffany) Few, Brandon Bell, Brittany Darden, Tiara (Dillon) Sutton, and Ashley Darden, eight great-grandchildren, and a cadre of loving nieces and nephews and supportive friends. 

"Servant of God, well done. Rest from thy loved employ.  The battle is fought, the victory won, Enter thy Master’s joy."

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