Dorothy Mae Williams (Aka Rose,Aunt Sis,Big Mama,Mrs. Bell and Mrs.Dorothy) Bell '100'

DOROTHY MAE WILLIAMS BELL “CENTURIAN” 100 + years

A celebration of life for Our Mother Dorothy Mae Williams Bell, better known as Big Mama, Rose, Aunt Sis, Mrs. Bell, or just Mrs. Dorothy, will be held at 12:15 PM on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Growing Valley Baptist Church, with Rev Dr. Kelvin L. Lynch and Rev. Charles E. Faulks officiating.

She will rest until the Redeemer returns at Grace Hill Cemetery in Longview.

“Heaven’s Gates have opened wide

for another warrior to enter inside.”

January 17, 1925 - Dash Begins

THE BEGINNING:

It was a cold Saturday, In Clarksville, Red County, Texas, that a bouncing baby girl was welcomed into the world by parents Perry Williams and Alluter Jones Williams. They were so excited and filled with joy over their precious bundle to select a name. After much debate, Dorothy Mae is what the name became. As her Family grew, Dorothy became the oldest of four Children: Perryline Williams Fite, Laura Mae Williams Fite, and Anna Lee Williams Cobbins.

EDUCATION:

Dorothy Mae received her education in the Longview School System after moving from Clarksville. During this time, the 8th Grade was the top grade for some schools.

RELIGION:

Religion was an integral part of Dorothy Mae’s life since an early age. During the time of organizing, she was one of the younger organizing member of Growing Valley Baptist Church. Dorothy Mae was trained by the older members to do the church work and worked very hard in various departments as a young member. As she became older, she worked in several positions until her health prevented her from doing so. Some included positions were: Church Clerk, Financial Secretary, Deaconess, BTU Secretary, Choir member, usher, Circle #4 President, and Mission President for many years. After retiring, she became President Emeritus of the Mission.

ROMANCE AND FAMILY:

Dorothy Mae met James Velton Bell, Sr. and their love blossomed. They were united in Holy Matrimony in January of 1946. The Family grew during this union with the birth of Velma Jean Bell Clay, James Velton Bell, Jr., Clifford Lavert Bell, Sr., Bobby Glenn Bell, Sr., and Kenneth Lee Bell, Sr. Later in life, Dorothy Mae gave birth to her baby son, Vincenzo A. “Vince” Williams.

EMPLOYMENT:

Working for the Gaye Cole Wheeler Family greater than 41 years, Dorothy Mae actually became like a member of the family. She cared for and raised the daughters, Sally Wheeler Magee and Nancy Wheeler Heller, whom she loved as her own.

COMMUNITY SERVICE and RECOGNITION:

Community involvement was very important to Dorothy Mae. She served as Northside Elementary PTA President, Maggie Hudson Junior High PTA Treasurer, Mary C. Womack Band Booster Club Secretary, Little League and Baseball Booster Club Secretary and Cub Scout Den Mother.

In addition to serving in various organizations, Dorothy received many honors and recognitions. These include recent presentation of a plaque for being sole surviving Organizing Member of Growing Valley during Black History Celebration. She was also recognized as a Titus 2 Prestige Honoree of East Texas.

LOVE ONES WAITING:

After several years, Dorothy Mae became the only survivor of her 6 member immediate family. She survived for greater than 100 years. Waiting to welcome Dorothy Mae when she enters Heaven’s Gates will be her parents-Perry and Alluter Jones Williams; Sisters-Perryline Williams Fite, Laura Mae Williams Fite, and Anna Lee Williams Cobbins.

PRECIOUS MEMORIES WILL REMAIN WITH;

Daughter-Velma Bell Clay; Sons-James V. Bell, Jr., Clifford L. Bell, Sr., Bobby G. Bell, Sr., Kenneth L. Bell, Sr. (Angela), and Vincenzo A. ”Vince” Williams; Grandchildren—Tyriska Turner, Ja’Harial Clay, DeQuence Clay, Jr., Valencetta Clay, Tameshia Portley, Torry Bell(Natasha), Clifford Bell, Jr.(Coren), Bobby Bell II, Nicole Bell, Lorin Bell Reeves, Stacy Linwood, Shaderia Stephenson(J.B), Kenneth Bell, Jr., Great Grandchildren— Doctor KeVarial Clay Lowe (Jordan), DeQuentus Clay, D’Quailon Portley (JaLisa), Koryn Glaspie, X’Zavia Parsons, Kayla Linwood, Mariah Campbell, Avery Bell, KeAnna Clay, Jordan Reeves, Caden Bell, Sarai Bell, King; Great-Great Grandchildren—Hendrix Portley, Kendrix Portley, Armani Smith, Camylle King, Cairo King. Special Close Family Relations— Rhonda Henry Bell, Sally Wheeler Magee(Bill), Nancy Wheeler Heller(Robert); Nieces—Doris Mitchell(Leo), Annette Summers, Gay Thomas, Sylvia Genovese, Presia Brookins, Verline Coby, Sonjia Fite, Gloria Caldwell; Nephews—Arthur Simmons(Jean), Roy Fite, Alvin Fite; Extended Family and Friends—Frankie Alexander, Odette Alexander, Carla Young, Sue Criss, Sherry Lively, Tepoleon/Evie Jackson Family, Faransa/Katherine Mayfield Family, Frankie Stanmore, Mary Bush, Debra Fitts, Earnestine Hawkins, Lois Cooper, Gwen Davis, Tommy Pace, Dorothy Slade, Pauline Jackson, Mr/Mrs Victor Rodriguez, Archundia Family, Rosilyn Lewis, Rosie Holland 

Dash ends - October 12, 2025

Memorial gifts if desire in Mother Honor can be made to Growing Valley Baptist Church. at the following Link below, and flowers are welcome as well.

https://giv.li/so5qh2