Obituary for Vencent B. Bell
Vencent Bernard Bell was born March 23, 1965, to David and Mary Alice “Faye” Tillmon Bell in West Point Mississippi. Vencent accepted his transition ticket Saturday, April 8, 2023. He was a loving son, husband, devoted father, brother, grandfather, and uncle. From the mourning bench, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in West Point, Mississippi (White Station) under Pastor Milton Fields. He faithfully served in Sunday School and started out as a junior burial preparer. Upon moving to Chattanooga, he united with Olivet Baptist Church. Vencent loved the Lord. His favorite scripture was Philippians 4:13 “I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me.” His favorite gospel songs were Something About The Name Jesus by the Rance Allen Group and Kirk Franklin, and Jesus the Center of My Joy by Richard Smallwood. Vencent also enjoyed various genres of music, especially Lovely Day by Bill Withers.
Vencent loved his entire family and friends. He was kind, always caring, possessed great integrity, always had a word of advice, and a down-to-Earth demeanor. Vencent had a contagious laugh, and that will not be forgotten. He enjoyed watching Western movies, CNN News, and discussing politics. Not only did he obtain his sayings from his Dad and Granddad, but he acquired his elite work ethic from his Dad and Mother. He delighted in his mother’s cooking. His favorite dishes were chicken and rice, dressing, butter rolls, and her biscuits. He was truly a die-heart Dallas Cowboys fan as well as a Los Angeles Lakers fan. He also loved playing a hand or two of Spades.
Vencent not only played sports, but he also coached and umpired. Vencent was a “life coach” before the official title was coined. His great love of sports began in 9th grade while playing basketball, football, and track. He received the number 55 in football. He stated, “55 kills. It doesn’t save lives!”
Some fans considered him the heart of the Green Waves’ defense. His high school Coach, Bubba Davis stated that “Vencent was one of the best linebackers in Mississippi High School football.” While playing for West Point High School Green Waves, Vencent’s defensive leadership led his team to their first state championship in 1982.
He was a three-year high school letterman. Vencent received football scholarships from East Mississippi Junior College (Scooba, MS) and Murray State University (Murray, KY). While playing for Murray State Racers under Coach Frank Beamer they won the Ohio Valley Conference Championship in 1986. Vencent also received invitations to try out for NFL teams Baltimore Colts, St. Louis Cardinals, and the Chicago Bears.
Vencent majored in Physical Education and minored in Youth Agency Administration while at Murray State University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree graduating in 1987.
Vencent began the Y journey with the YMCA of Middle Tennessee and continued his mission with the YMCA of Greater Montgomery. His final assignment was with the James W. Wilson, Jr, YMCA of Montgomery, AL, as Executive Director, totaling his 34 years of service.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Alice “Faye” Tillmon Bell; son, Volonte’ Christopher Bell; father, David Bell, Sr.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 36 years, Vanessa Bell; his loving son, Vonn Christian Bell; grandson, Julian Alexander Pollard; his loving mother-in-law, Pearl Carter, Paducah, KY; brothers, David Bell, Jr. (Wanda), Houston, MS, Elvis Clay “Ray” West Point, MS; sisters, Elaine Bell Holliman, San Antonio, TX, Carolyn Bell Glover (Marcus), Madison, AL, Angela Bell Thomas (Allen, Sr.) West Point, MS, Monica Bell Clarke, Madison, AL, Chandra Bell Barnes (John) Toney, AL; uncle, Henri Tillmon (Macheryl), Saltillo, MS; aunts, Bobbie Nell Bell, Dallas, TX, Brenda Bell, Kansas City, KS, Polly Ann Bell, Stuttgart, AR, and Dorothy “Dot” Tillmon, West Point, MS; sister-in-law, Denise Carter, New Market, AL; brother-in-law, Michael Dickerson (Yvonne), Dayton, OH; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of Vencent Bell. Please visit https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate.html. You may also contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345.
Visitation will be held 10:00 am-11:00 am, Saturday, April 15, 2023, followed by an 11:00 am funeral service at Olivet Baptist Church, 740 East M.L King Blvd.
Interment will be at 11:00 am (CST), at Mt. Zion MB Church Cemetery (White Station), 2506 Old Vinton Road, West Point MS, on Sunday, April 16, 2023, conducted by Carter’s Mortuary Services, LLC, 5598 Hwy 45 South, West Point, MS.
Arrangements by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Avenue, 423-622-9995.
Vencent loved his entire family and friends. He was kind, always caring, possessed great integrity, always had a word of advice, and a down-to-Earth demeanor. Vencent had a contagious laugh, and that will not be forgotten. He enjoyed watching Western movies, CNN News, and discussing politics. Not only did he obtain his sayings from his Dad and Granddad, but he acquired his elite work ethic from his Dad and Mother. He delighted in his mother’s cooking. His favorite dishes were chicken and rice, dressing, butter rolls, and her biscuits. He was truly a die-heart Dallas Cowboys fan as well as a Los Angeles Lakers fan. He also loved playing a hand or two of Spades.
Vencent not only played sports, but he also coached and umpired. Vencent was a “life coach” before the official title was coined. His great love of sports began in 9th grade while playing basketball, football, and track. He received the number 55 in football. He stated, “55 kills. It doesn’t save lives!”
Some fans considered him the heart of the Green Waves’ defense. His high school Coach, Bubba Davis stated that “Vencent was one of the best linebackers in Mississippi High School football.” While playing for West Point High School Green Waves, Vencent’s defensive leadership led his team to their first state championship in 1982.
He was a three-year high school letterman. Vencent received football scholarships from East Mississippi Junior College (Scooba, MS) and Murray State University (Murray, KY). While playing for Murray State Racers under Coach Frank Beamer they won the Ohio Valley Conference Championship in 1986. Vencent also received invitations to try out for NFL teams Baltimore Colts, St. Louis Cardinals, and the Chicago Bears.
Vencent majored in Physical Education and minored in Youth Agency Administration while at Murray State University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree graduating in 1987.
Vencent began the Y journey with the YMCA of Middle Tennessee and continued his mission with the YMCA of Greater Montgomery. His final assignment was with the James W. Wilson, Jr, YMCA of Montgomery, AL, as Executive Director, totaling his 34 years of service.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Alice “Faye” Tillmon Bell; son, Volonte’ Christopher Bell; father, David Bell, Sr.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 36 years, Vanessa Bell; his loving son, Vonn Christian Bell; grandson, Julian Alexander Pollard; his loving mother-in-law, Pearl Carter, Paducah, KY; brothers, David Bell, Jr. (Wanda), Houston, MS, Elvis Clay “Ray” West Point, MS; sisters, Elaine Bell Holliman, San Antonio, TX, Carolyn Bell Glover (Marcus), Madison, AL, Angela Bell Thomas (Allen, Sr.) West Point, MS, Monica Bell Clarke, Madison, AL, Chandra Bell Barnes (John) Toney, AL; uncle, Henri Tillmon (Macheryl), Saltillo, MS; aunts, Bobbie Nell Bell, Dallas, TX, Brenda Bell, Kansas City, KS, Polly Ann Bell, Stuttgart, AR, and Dorothy “Dot” Tillmon, West Point, MS; sister-in-law, Denise Carter, New Market, AL; brother-in-law, Michael Dickerson (Yvonne), Dayton, OH; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of Vencent Bell. Please visit https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate.html. You may also contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345.
Visitation will be held 10:00 am-11:00 am, Saturday, April 15, 2023, followed by an 11:00 am funeral service at Olivet Baptist Church, 740 East M.L King Blvd.
Interment will be at 11:00 am (CST), at Mt. Zion MB Church Cemetery (White Station), 2506 Old Vinton Road, West Point MS, on Sunday, April 16, 2023, conducted by Carter’s Mortuary Services, LLC, 5598 Hwy 45 South, West Point, MS.
Arrangements by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Avenue, 423-622-9995.