Blanche Chester Bell El of Chicago was born June 14, 1953 in Chicago Heights, Illinois, to Herman Bell and Cecelia Cole Bell. Blanche passed away at his home on November 10, 2020.
He was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather.
In addition to being a wonderful father to his ten children, Blanche was a father-figure to many young people in his life.
For over forty years, Blanche worked as a carpenter. He mentored several young men during this time.
He was inspired by the beauty of nature and loved to work in the garden.
Blanche was an avid reader and had a great interest in religion, history, and The Constitution of The United States.
In his free time, he enjoyed camping at Starved Rock, martial arts, cooking, and playing video games with his grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his loving parents Herman Bell and Cecelia Cole Bell, his brothers William and Albert Thomas Bell and his sister Marlene Ridgner. He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife of forty-four years, Laura, his children: Afitene (Tom), Aisha, Shadiya (Mike), Nasrina (Joe), Haniya, Kafi (Claire), Aliyah (Corey), Dawood, Bari and Abriel (Hannah) his grandchildren: Michael, David, Nicholas, Jacob, Chloe, Grace, Clara, Damien, Isaac, Felix, Jack, Seth, Grayson and Ella; three brothers: Bishop Herman Wayne (Lousie), Carl Bell, Marc Bell (Linda); and five sisters: Cecelia Williams, Karen Bell, Marva Bell, Lillian Ross and Janet Harris and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.
My condolences to you all. Shadi, not once have you frowned in your life and be poppa the cause. Nope. His love and dedicatiin as a parent reflects in you. Te amo chica. Hugs to all.
Shalom, From Blanche’s Great Nephew, Di’Angelo, i am honored and delighted to have met such great man of wisdom and knowledge. uncle Blanche, you will sincerely be missed and forever in our hearts. 💙
– Yours Truly, Di’Angelo Bell.