Karen Denise Bell, affectionately known as “Sweetie” was born February 11, 1955, and went home to be with the Lord August 30, 2018. Karen was born to Cameria Knox Bell and Willie Bell in Anniston, Alabama. After her birth, the family moved to Columbus, Ohio in 1956.
A lifelong Christian, Karen gave her life to Christ at the age of 9 at the Love Zion Baptist Church. A graduate of Columbus South High School, class of 1973, Karen approached school as she did all of her interests; with zeal, energy and enthusiasm. She did not just participate, she gave her all. Karen excelled in school as a student and was involved in many extracurricular activities including cheerleading, student government and homecoming court. Karen held a Bachelor’s Degree from Capital University, and was a Licensed Social Worker in the State of Ohio.
Diminutive in size, Karen was a strong, vibrant and fiercely independent woman; powerful in spirit. Feisty and charming, she had a smile and a presence that would light any room! She was a positive force and voice for the voiceless. Karen loved her serving profession. She worked many years for Franklin County Children Services (FCCS) helping to protect children. She created training programs, recruiting volunteers as well as foster and adoptive parents. As a founding member of SIMBA, (a FCCS mentoring program) she was able to pursue her desire towards the success of African American boys,
After leaving FCCS, Karen lived her childhood dream of working in television while living in New York City. She became a TV Producer with KingWorld Productions and worked on nationally syndicated shows such as “Rolonda,” and “The Les Brown Show.” She also started her own production company, “KBB Production”. Karen won many accolades and awards for her production work. Upon returning to Columbus, Karen was involved with a philanthropic group headed by Bob Johnson and Cicely Tyson. Together, they delivered medical equipment donated by Nationwide Children’s Hospital to Liberia for Liberian children. Karen’s most recent employer was the Franklin County Office on Aging, and the Senior Options program where she helped to enhance the lives of seniors. She truly loved what she did, and her clients meant the world to her.
Karen was a person of strong faith with a deep love for the Lord whom she loved with all her heart. She was a long-time active member of Second Baptist Church where she was a member of the choir and worked with the children and mission’s ministries. Karen was a wonderful praise dancer. She taught liturgical dance at many churches in Columbus. She was also a member of New Salem Baptist Church before joining The Vineyard Church in 2017.
Karen was a wonderful mother and was blessed with three loving and devoted sons, Greg, Gordon (Tiaka) and Jordan (Adrienne) Winbush. She was the grandmother or Sweetie to 5 grandchildren; Elexis, Tatiana, Marlana, Jordan Jr. and Janelle; the great grand-mother to 3 boys, Kyzier, Kairo, and Costello. She leaves a rich legacy of service to others for her sisters and brothers; Rhonda Bell (Stephen) Franklin, Angela (Christopher) Tucker McCaleb, Cameria White, Willie Roger (Patricia) Turner and Jeffrey (Marquetta) Slappy. “Aunt Sweetie” also shared her love and will be missed by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A loyal and nurturing friend, Karen will also be deeply missed by a great team of close and life- long friends whom she loved and wanted the best for.
Visitation 9:00am and Funeral 10:00am Saturday, September 8, 2018 at Christian Valley Baptist Church, 3330 Scottwood Rd.
Interment at Glen Rest Memorial Estates.
I wish the Bell Family comfort and peace during this trying time. Ms. Karen was a lively spirit that has transitioned and will soar beyond this realm. Please accept our condolences from the Brooks family.
Sincerely,
Tamara Brooks and family
The South High School Alumni Association and its Board of Directors want to express our sympathy and send condolences at the death of your loved one. Our entire South High School family is diminished by her passing.
Rest, my sister, in the arms of the Lord. God grant peace to your family, and pleasant memories of Karen.
Darlene,
My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. I will keep you ALL lifted in prayer. May God Bless you ALL and give you strength.
Karen’s bright smile and caring passion for her clients will be missed at the Office on Aging. Please accept my condolences. May your memories of Karen always be a blessing and comfort to you.
Karen was my friend and my little sister. I will miss her terribly. She was a strong believer in God, therefore, I know she is in heaven with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She loved her family and talked of them often. The little ones filled her heart and made her day.
My friend and little sister may you rest in peace. You will always be in my thoughts and my heart.
Until we meet again.
Karen’s smile would just light up a room but the way she cared for people is what i will remember about my beautiful cuz. Job well done Karen may we all leave a legacy like the one you left. Darlene and the family Kenny and myself are praying for your strength in the Lord
Rest in Heaven, Karen! Prayers for the Bell family…
Darlene,
My prayers are for you and your family. Karen has now exchanged her cross for a crown.
My deepest sympathies to the family. May you find strength in the love of family and friends and know that God hears your prayers and is w/you in this most difficult time.
Darlene,
I am so sorry to hear the news of the loss of your sister. I understand the heartache and pain of loosing a sibling. You will always have the loving memories to comfort you. Cherish them. My prayers for continued strength go to you.
To the Beloved Sons & Family of Karen Bell.
Please receive my sincere condolences & prayers, with the Lord God’s over abundance of His compassionate, healing & agape love, during this time of temporary separation from this Very Beloved Kingdom Queen in Christ Jesus.
May your hearts receive the Lord God’s assurance & comfort in being reunited with her, in Christ Jesus, for all eternity. Amen
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”
– John 3:16
What a beautiful spirit and a beautiful person. I remember her as faithful, genuine, and kind. God rest her soul and bless her family during this sad time.
To The Bell Family:
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my friend, Karen. Although we have not seen each other over the last few years, I will remember her as a committed, caring and compassionate person. Karen and I first met during our Victory Mason’s Debutante Cotillion and developed a friendship during our early career years. She was an advocate and voice for children as a professional with Franklin County Children’s Services and later she followed me as the Associate Director of Public Children’s Services Association of Ohio (PCSAO). Karen’s love for vulnerable populations later took her to the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging, where she humbly served our older adults. I will miss her beautiful smile and giving spirit.
God needed another Angel to watch over your family. May His arms of comfort protect you and sooth your grief over the coming months. Karen is no longer in pain and will be with us always.
In sympathy and prayer,
Condolences to the family. May God’s blessings be upon you during this difficult time. Pamela Slater.
My fellow Bulldog has taken flight to be with our creator my prayers are with the family especially with her sister Rhonda
To The Bell Family, my condolences and I will keep the family in my prayers.
To the family of Karen Bell,
I want to thank you for all that you assisted in making Karen who she was. She was energy’s delight and a bit “corny funny.” We met when we were about 10 years old. She and Rhonda always welcomed me and treated me with kindness and respect. The kind of care and concern one always remembers. She was a unique soul.
Blessings and Prayers,
Harold Shaw