Ms. Annie Ruth Bell

UTICA – Ms. Annie Ruth Bell, age 81, peacefully went home to be with her loving Lord on Tuesday morning, February 15, 2022, with her loving son by her side. Annie was born in Clayton, Alabama, on April 7, 1940 to the late Dozier and Minnie Lee (Walker) Bell. She was raised and educated in Alabama, and went on to graduate from her high school as the class salutatorian. Upon graduation, Annie relocated to the welcoming Utica area with her brother and sister-in-law and has resided locally ever since. Annie’s employment opportunities comprised of several varied positions. At one time, she held a position at Mele Manufacturing Company. After that, she went on to hold a position for ten years with the GE Radio Receiver Plant on Bleecker Street. Annie then shifted her career and gained employment with Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center as a Mental Health Hygiene Therapist Aide – a position she worked in for 25 years and from which she retired. Annie harbored a special place in her heart for her family. The light of her life and the love of her heart was the blessing of her only child, Maurice. She was known for always focusing on his needs and on the needs of all those she loved. Additionally, Annie particularly appreciated her extended family; she loved hanging with her cousins and visiting them as often as she could. Annie constantly looked forward to sharing loving times and creating beautiful memories with her family. Those who loved her were always impressed by Annie’s beauty – internal and external – and how extremely humble she was. One of Annie’s particular pleasures involved cooking. There wasn’t a style of cooking or a dish she couldn’t whip up, but Annie especially loved to cook her special: soul food. Her family members were happy recipients of these fruits of her labor and skill. Annie loved to dance and spend time with her family. She especially enjoyed sitting on her porch and conversing with folks passing by, all who loved her and were loved by her just as well. A woman of faith and great spirituality, Annie was an avid church member who loved her church, St. Paul’s Baptist Church. There she served as a dedicated usher, a member of the Beautifying Club, and partook in the Alabama/ Georgia Club. She especially enjoyed involving her family in the church on-goings. Annie was a faithful and dedicated member of the Mt. Zion Chapter #588 of the Empire State Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star. She wore her crown with grace and dignity as she was two times elected Queen of her chapter that celebrates the National Queen Esther Day held in New York City, NY. She was also a member of the “Bubbling Brown Sugar” chapter of the Red Hat Society where Mrs. Jean Davis was Queen Mum. Annie is survived by her beloved son, Calvin Maurice Bell. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews, especially Delmarshia Curry; great-nieces, great-nephews, and her special cousins, Lizzie Washington, and Elizabeth Preston. Annie will be fondly remembered by her sister-in-law, Lena Bell; and her treasured friends, Dosher Grant, Dolores Williams, Minnie Lee Johnson, Jimmy Connors, and Rachel Hamlett, whom Annie considered as a second mother. Annie was predeceased by her nephews, William Jerome Bell, and Arthur James Bell; her nieces Sylvia Mitchell, and Freida Bell; her great-nephew, Quentin J. Curry; her sister, Bernice J. Bell; and her brothers and their loves, Ozie and Cornelius Bell, William James and Blanche Bell, Billie J. Bell and his wife Versie, and William C. Bell. The Bell Family would like to extend their gratitude to Annie’s physician, Dr. Scott Brehaut, for his care and compassion, as well as to the nurses and staff of St. Luke’s Hospital. Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2022 from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. at St. Paul’s Baptist Church, 219 Leah Street. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Annie’s Home Going and Celebration of Life Service at the conclusion of visitation, at 12:00 p.m., at St. Paul’s Baptist Church. Interment will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Ms. Annie Ruth Bell

April 7, 1940 - February 15, 2022