Cornelia Bell

Cornelia Bell, 86 of Jackson, NJ passed away at her home on September 26, 2022. She was born in Montgomery, Alabama on June 18, 1936 to Juliann Graham and Plese Griffin. She grew up on a farm and always spoke of fond memories growing up there.

Cornelia graduated from Carver high school and later attended Alabama State University and majored in early childhood education. She was always determined to help provide for her family. During those times in the south in the age of the civil rights era, it was difficult to do so. She always had vivid stories of life in the south during that time. Therefore, she moved north initially to New York to work as most people did then and later sent for their family members to live. She did the same during that time.

She worked for several years in the Newark public school system as a teacher’s aide with preschool and kindergarten students. She worked in this role at Morton Street School and later Friendly Fuld day care center. During later years when she relocated her family to South Jersey; she worked at KinderCare day care center before finally retiring and providing private childcare.

Cornelia was a loving member of New Hope Baptist church in East Orange, NJ for 42 years.

She enjoyed participating in various church activities. She did not let the distance of over an hour traveling from South Jersey stop her from driving up for Sunday service or other activities.

She also loved to cook especially during the holidays. She made the best sweet potato pies and dressing that one could virtually eat alone. She also participated in various activities at the Howell Senior Center and at Friendship gardens where she lived. She became fond of ceramics and sewing. If you knew her well you probably have one of her ceramic creations or a baby blanket in your home.She also served on the Monmouth County Board of elections working the polls for many years.

Cornelia was predeceased by her parents, Juliann Graham and Plese Griffin, and all her five siblings: Eddie Bell, Savanna Bell, Frederick Bell, Ruth Bell and Lela Banks.Also predeceased by her daughter Valerie Bell.

She is survived by her two sons, Kenneth (Vanessa) Bell, Gregory (Tamikia) Bell, and her daughter, Sonja Williams. She also leaves behind 10 grandchildren: Nicholas Bell, Kenneth Bell Jr., Kniecole Lewis, Jahmier Lewis, Jamel Lewis, Gregory Malachi Bell, Destiny Bell, Judah Bell, Jordan Payne (dedicated grandson who cared and sacrificed his life assisting with caring for his grandmother the last two years while she was on hospice), and Rhema Bell. She is also survived by eight great grandchildren: Jahmier Lewis Jr., Tyjier Lewis, Kaizeya Lewis, Amar Bell, Aaliyah Bell, Gregory Malachi Bell Jr., Bella Bell and Kamiyah Bell.

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