Charles J Bell

CHARLES J. BELL, born June 13, 1942 to the late Reverend Edward David “E.D.” and Classie Jackson Bell, peacefully passed away June 22, 2024. He was the beloved husband of Esther Mae Bell for 56 years. Charles was the fourth of five siblings, survived by his brother David Bell (Emma) and Jeffrey Pendergrass (raised as a brother), and remembered alongside his late siblings Mary Pendergrass, Florene McLurkin, and Leslie Bell. In his youth, Charles attended Finley High School, where his love for sports shone bright. He excelled as the starting quarterback for the football team and as the starting point guard for the basketball team. His athletic prowess continued into his college years at Morgan State University, where he met Esther Mae Green. They married on April 7, 1968, and from this union, they were blessed with three daughters and three sons-inlaw: Venida Andrews (Richard), Patricia Thomas (Alexi) and Stephanie Molden (Raymond). After graduating from Morgan State University with a B.S. in Mathematics, Charles served his country in the US Army, during which time he discovered The Plain Truth and joined The Worldwide Church of God. He was deeply involved in ministry and served as an ordained elder and coached Youth Opportunity United (Y.O.U) and the Men’s basketball team. Charles worked over 34 years as a Telecommunications Engineer at Western Electric, which later became AT&T and spun off to Lucent. Upon retiring in 2000, Charles and Esther followed their calling to ministry, attending Rhema Bible Training College in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They graduated from Rhema’s two-year Ministry Training Program in 2002, and from Rhema’s Advanced Pastoral Ministry Program in 2003. They returned to Baltimore, where they founded Living Word Family Church. Charles pastored the church alongside Esther for 16 years, passionately preaching about Jesus Christ and His return. He served as a missionary with Esther in Baltimore, India, and Argentina. Charles had many passions in life, including his wife, children, and grandchildren. Above all, he had a fervent love for the Lord and for those who did not know the Lord, preaching enthusiastically about the heavenly promises of Jesus. He was known for being a kind and gentle man and we find solace in knowing that Charles is rejoicing in heaven with his parents, siblings, and loved ones who preceded him. Charles leaves behind a legacy cherished by his family mentioned above and his grandchildren Jaida, Jenai, Bailey, Alexi, Hannah, RJ, Adrianna, Tori, and Charles; along with numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends who will all miss him dearly

Tributes

Charles J Bell

June 13, 1942 - June 22, 2024