In Loving Memory Reverend Levi Bell
Senior Administrative Assistant – Washington State Jurisdiction COGIC
Superintendent Emeritus- F. L. James District - Washington State Jurisdiction
Sr. Pastor - Faith Temple Community Church of God in Christ
Sunrise Called: June 18, 1923 ~
Home to Glory: September 13, 2021
Levi Bell was the eldest son born to LeRoy and Cordia Bell on June 18, 1923, in Logansport Louisiana on the Longshaw Farm.
In 1942 at the age of nineteen, he enlisted in the U. S. Army. While in the Army he fought in World War II and the Battle of the Bulge. Levi travelled extensively throughout Europe. He was a Corporal T-4 and driver in the Tank Corps. He was in the quartermaster 3455 truck company, also known as the Red Ball Express, an All-Black Unit. He drove and delivered everything to the front-line soldiers. He was known as “Combat” Bell by his fellow servicemembers, due to his prowess of being an outstanding soldier.
In March of 1946, Levi came to the state of Washington. He lived in Pasco and worked in the construction trade at the Grand Coulee Dam in Coulee City.
In 1948 he moved to Yakima, Washington where he met his wife Cora Mae Martinez Carter.
They were married on February 14, 1950. They were married for 66 years until her passing in 2016.
In 1957, Levi moved his growing family to Seattle, where he had a career as a Cement Mason. Two of Levi’s avocations were barbeque and watermelons. He owned two barbecue restaurants and was a favorite vendor at Seattle’s largest festivals, Folklife, Bumbershoot, Bite of Seattle, and the Black Community Festival. In addition, he became known as the “Watermelon Man” selling the best watermelons in the State of Washinton. Levi would travel to Hermiston, OR to get premium watermelons. He was selling watermelons until the ripe “young” age of 96. He resided in Seattle until the Lord called him home.
His life changed in 1961 when he gave his life to the Lord at the age of 38. He was saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Ghost. Levi then became a member of Revival Church of God in Christ. He remained a member there until God spoke to him by giving him the name of his own church, Faith Temple Church of God in Christ. (Community was later added to the name) Faith Temple was given life in June 1968. He remained the active Pastor until his passing.
Pastor Bell worked in numerous departments within the Church of God in Christ. He worked diligently in his Jurisdiction and in the National Church. He was a District Superintendent (F.L. James District), State Evangelist, National Evangelist, Senior Administrative Assistant and worked in the Finance Department.
He was also affectionately known as; Son Bell, Midnight Bell, Watermelon Man, Big Dady, Papa, Granddad and DADDY. As pastor Bell got older, he would say instead of “Midnight Bell”, you can call me “Shorty”, because I don’t preach too long now.
Levi was preceded in death by his Wife Cora Mae Bell, Father LeRoy Bell, Mother Cordia Jackson, Sister Audrey Van Dyke, Brother Jim “Pluto” Bell, Brother Carl “Red” Prince, Brother Sonny Prince, Sister Ernestine Ervin, Sister Elise Burks, Daughter Hortense Burks, and Granddaughter Orena O’Brien.
Levi is survived by 5 Children: Jacqueline Pennington Hunter (Randy), Terry Bell, Diana O’Brien, Allen Bell (Laquetha) and Sheree Bell; Daughter in Law Denise Bell, Sister Genell Law, Sister Betty Dorsey, Brother Henry Prince, brother Otis Prince, Sister-in-Laws Ella M. Hawkins and Brenda Carter, and Brother-in-Law Michael Carter. Also left to mourn are a host of Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren and Great-Great Grandchildren. He loved to say proudly, he came to Washington by himself, and if he wanted to take a trip with his family, it would take a train to hold them. He loved his family!
He also leaves to mourn his passing, countless relatives, and close personal friends across the United States. He truly will be missed by his Church Family, Faith Temple Community Church of God in Christ, and the Church of God in Christ Family at Large.
Pastor Bell lived to be 98 years old. The Lord decided it was time for him to come Home to Glory. He was still preaching and teaching the Word of God until his passing.
Pastor Bell’s favorite scripture was St. John 9:4
I MUST WORK THE WORKS OF HIM THAT SENT ME, WHILE IT IS DAY: THE NIGHT COMETH, WHEN NO MAN CAN WORK
Viewing: Friday September 24, 2020, 11AM – 4PM, Evergreen Washelli, 11111 Aurora Ave. North, Seattle, WA 98133. Homegoing Celebration: Saturday September 25, 2021, 11AM,
Grace Community Church, 1320 Auburn Way South, Auburn, WA 98002
Interment: Tuesday, September 28, 2021, at 10AM, Evergreen – Washelli, 11111 Aurora Ave N., Seattle, Washington 98133, East cemetery across the street from main building.
Facebook Live https://fb.me/e/2ymQsdhpf
Facilities are COVID Compliant – Masks are REQUIRED
