Brenda Edita Bell

Brenda Edita Bell was peacefully called from labor to reward on May 20, 2023, at the Christiana Care Hospital. “Bren, BB or Sunshine” as she was lovingly called by family and friends, was born to the late Ethel I. Bell and William Campbell Sr. on August 28, 1949, in Wilmington, Delaware.

She grew up on the East Side of Wilmington and received her early education in the Wilmington public school system.

Often referred to as “the hardest working woman in America,” Brenda was a loyal and faithful employee of the Christiana Care Visiting Nurses Association where she worked as a certified nursing assistant from 1987 until her retirement in 2017.  In her quest to serve as many people as possible that needed help, she also worked for the Ministry of Caring while working with Christiana Care from 2001-2014.  Brenda dedicated her life’s work for 30 years caring for others. She loved the clients that she provided care for as they weren’t just her clients, they became family.

In the fall of 1969, Brenda’s life would forever change as she gave birth to her first and only child a daughter, Juliet. Brenda was a devoted mother to Juliet, and she always showered her with unconditional love and support.  Brenda and Juliet were not only mother and daughter, but they were also truly best friends. The two were inseparable. Where there was Brenda, there was Juliet and where there was Juliet there was Brenda. It would come as no surprise that Juliet would follow in her mother’s footsteps, pursuing the same career in delivering care for others. Juliet reciprocated that same unconditional love and support for her mother as evidenced in the loyal and dedicated care that she provided for her from the onset of her mother’s illness until her passing and it is to be commended.

Brenda was the oldest of nine children and although she had a quiet and shy demeanor, she was very protective of her siblings. They knew that they could always count on her to be front and center if needed and she would fight at the drop of a dime to protect her family. She was often referred to as ‘9/10,” as those were the amount of seconds it took for her to put you in check if it was necessary and when it was necessary.

Upon her retirement, Brenda enjoyed spending quality time with her grandchildren Jamier and Janae’ (Muff) along with her great-grandson Arquis. When not spending time with family, Brenda enjoyed shopping.  On any given day of the week, you could find her shopping at Food Lion, Rite Aid or the Dollar store. If she wasn’t shopping, you could find her at home watching westerns or Court TV. Brenda was also a true animal lover and enjoyed caring for her German shepherd Shaft and her birds who were each ironically named Angel.

Brenda had a deep love of old school music.  Those who knew Brenda in her younger years can remember her riding her white ten-speed bike blasting her portable 8 track player. Brenda’s love for music would continue over the years, adding gospel music to the genres that she enjoyed listening to.

In addition to her parents, Brenda was predeceased by her grandparents John Bell Sr., and Mary L Bell; grandmother Hattie Campbell; grandson Jayden Bell; brothers Michael and Tony Bell; aunts Mary Louise Bell and Johnnymae Jenkins; uncles John Bell Jr. (Bubby) and Bernard Jenkins (Jake); cousins Bernard Keith Jenkins (Saddle), Rowena Bell and Toni Lynn Jenkins; and a devoted friend of over 50+ years, Ramona Neal.

Left to cherish her memory is her loving and devoted daughter, Juliet Bell-Hall (Walter); two grandchildren, Jamier (Ambra) and Janae’ Bell; one great-grandson, Arquis Bell; six siblings, William Campbell Jr. (Butch), Mary Bell, Bonnie Bell-Dale (Jesse), Annette Bell, Desiree Bell (James) and Derrick Bell (Teresa); one aunt, Lydia Bell-Jones; a special niece, Desire Bell; two special nephews Keith Bell and Kevis Bell who was also her godson; two devoted cousins who were more like sister and brother, Terry Jenkins and Bryan Jenkins and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A celebration of her life will be held on Friday June 2, 2023 at 11 am. Viewing will be held 9-10:45 am at The Glorious Church 2205 Lancaster Avenue, Wilmington, DE19805. Interment, Gracelawn Cemetery