Stephen Bell
Stephen Jacob Bell passed away on January 1, 2015 at the age of 36. He leaves behind his wife, Anna Bell (nee Korn), three cats, mother, brother, grandmother, aunt and uncle, in-laws, and a host of non-blood spirit family.
Stephen was born on July 14, 1978 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Rolanda Jeffcoat Bell and William R. Bell, Jr. At age 13, his family moved from Little Rock to Bismarck, which is near Hot Springs, Arkansas. In middle school and high school Stephen played basketball and football. He was a member of the cheerleading squad and he was a percussionist in both the concert band and the marching band. He attended the Arkansas School for Math and Science, a magnet boarding high school in Hot Springs, Arkansas for the 11th and 12th grades. While there, he trained as a discussion board leader on an AIDS ministry website, starting his life-long mission of ministry.
Stephen received a full scholarship to Lyon College in Batesville, Arkansas, as a Brown Scholar. In 2000, he earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology. After graduation, he was employed by Gene Codes Corporation in Ann Arbor, Michigan as the Assistant to the President and a Marketing and Support Associate.
In the summer of 2003, he moved to St. Louis, Missouri. On June 16, 2007, Stephen and Anna married at the Church of the Assumption in Nashville, Tennessee.
In 2009, Stephen was ordained as a Reverend through the Universal Life Church. He and Anna performed marriages and internet-based ministry and counseling as his health allowed.
He maintained his ties with Lyon College as an active member of the Alumni Council.
He had many medical conditions that he dealt with over the years. In meeting him, you would never guess he had these problems.
Stephen was the warmest, kindest, and most giving individual. He had a smile for every person. He would approach total strangers to give a kind word, sit with them, and talk about life. No matter how bad things got in his own life he was always looking to help others. He strove to find the light in this world and share it with others.
Services were held for him at the Provincial House Chapel, University of Missouri—St. Louis on Sunday January 11, 2015 at 2 pm.
A memorial fund was set up in his name at YouCaring.com to help with funeral costs.
Please leave your memories of Stephen below.
Miss you everyday dear brother.
What a beautiful tribute! Tears in my eyes, full of joy for having known such a sweet soul.
The night I met Stephen, I was to be a guest in his house. He was a dear friend to my dear friend, and he greeted me as though we were family. There was a joyful spark in him, instantly recognizable. What a smile 🙂
He and Anna continued to host me and mine over the years when I would come through town (traveling singer/songwriter means this was 2-3 times a year.) Sometimes we stayed for a week or more with the Bells, and the welcoming presence that they offered never faltered. They became dear friends, even hosted my first baby shower.
My life is better for having known Stephen, and I will smile every time I think of him. Always and always.
xobekah
Hard to believe that he passed so quickly. In life he had great passion and care. So short a time on this earth. Will miss you Stephen!