Rev. Joan Andrew Bell peacefully transitioned on Saturday, April 18, 2026, when he was called home to rest. He was 79.
He was born on April 3, 1947, in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, to the late Elijah and Fannie Bell.
At an early age, Joan accepted Christ, confessing his faith and uniting with St. John Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He lived a life rooted in faith, service, and devotion to his family and community.
He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 37 years, Julia N. Bell; three sons, Daniel Cole, Dave Cole, and Derrick (Tiffany) Bell; one son by marriage, Ronald Ross Jr. (Lorraine Ross); and one daughter, Carmella Gayle (Tony Gayle). He is also survived by one sister, Cheryl (Darryl) Hamner of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; and two brothers, Joe Bell of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and Kenneth (Helen) Bell of Montgomery, Alabama.
He was blessed with a large and loving extended family, including aunts Frankie Hudson of Bessemer, Alabama; Josephine Jenkins; Josie (Jerry) Dawson; Gladys Bell of Livingston, Alabama; Bertha Hutchins of Dayton, Ohio; Linda Bell; Ardane Bell of Chicago, Illinois; and Mary Webster and Dorothy (Joseph) Delahanty of Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
He also leaves behind a devoted uncle, Bobby (Wanda) Bell of Livingston, Alabama; nieces and nephews Nicole, Candace, Marcus, Jermaine, Jeremy, and Jonathan; a sister-in-law, Lois Bell of Madison, Wisconsin; 12 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
He will be fondly remembered by close cousins Pearlie (Larry) Harris, Sheila Carpenter, Timothy Hinton, Estella Jones, and James (Ann) Hood, along with a host of other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Orlando Bell.
A public viewing was held on Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Agnew Funeral Home. Funeral services were held on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Agnew Funeral Home, 1110 Baptist Hill, Greensboro. Interment followed at Sarah Christian Cemetery. Agnew Funeral Home directed.
