Mrs. Willie T. Bell

Willie T. Bell, age 86, took her heavenly flight on Tuesday morning, February 1, 2022, at Duke University Medical Center of Durham, NC after enduring illnesses over the last two years. Willie was born to the late Howard Trapp, Sr. and Minnie Scarborough Trapp in Bishopville, SC. She was the eldest daughter in the family. She was preceded in death by her parents and her stepmother – Josephine G. Trapp, husband, James Paul Bell; three brothers, Charles Trapp, Joseph Trapp and Howard Trapp, Jr., two sisters, Gladys Jeffrey and Dorothy King. She leaves to mourn her death: two brothers, George Trapp (Willene of Hampton, VA) and Larry Trapp (Randa of San Diego, CA); three sisters, Dr. Rosa Trapp-Dail of Ft. Washington, MD, Minnie Nixon of Paterson, NJ and Shirley Trapp McQueen (James E. Sr. of Senoia, GA); one sister-in-law, Dianne Trapp of Conway, SC; one brother-in-law, Walter King of Clinton, MD and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, a very special friend, Laurel Ellzey and neighbor Ms. Spring, whom always were available when needed. Her life journeys took her from Bishopville, SC to Wilmington, NC, a brief stay in Paterson, NJ and eventually to Durham, NC, where she spent most of her adult life. She and James established a wonderfully comfortable lifestyle. She enjoyed spending quality time with her father and siblings at family gatherings. Willie always was a take control sister and an advocate for her younger siblings, always encouraging them to stay in school and secure their education. Because she was so adamant about education, she often provided financial support for her younger siblings in their pursuit of their education. She was an immensely proud woman who worked in various professions. She was a homemaker while James served active duty in the US Marine Corps. However, her love for tailoring gained her jobs at major department stores doing alterations. She went further by returning to school at Durham Tech and received training to become a research technician, which resulted in her working at Duke University Medical Center and worked on the Children’s Campus while there. Willie was a lover of nature, beautiful flowers and animals. For years, she was a beloved breeder of the Dachshund also known as the Dotson hound. Her animals were her life and she gave them the absolute best care imagined. If she discovered any stray animal that appeared to be malnourished, she would adopt them and ensure they received the absolute best medical care to ensure a healthier life. In recent years, the love of her life was “Tu Poo”, her beautiful but overweight cat! And, thanks to several neighbors, he was consistently provided for in ways that alone, she could not do, specifically, her long-term neighbor Spring. “Tu Poo” was kept well fed throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic. Thanks to several neighbors, Willie was well and consistently provided for in ways that alone, she could not. Names of persons known to the family in addition to Spring are Mary and Laurel. While space and time did not permit adequate enumeration, their contributions, individually and collectively were exceptional and beyond any expectation, right to her last days and moments of life! In addition, it is most worthy that the professional medical care and services provided at Duke University Hospital Medical Center was most humane and comforting throughout her stay. Contributing significantly to the overall quality and consistency of Will’s daily medical care was the physical presence and oversight of her compassionate neighbor Laurel Ellzey. Last, but not least is the fact that the eternal love and role model of Will’s life was unconditionally her Daddy, Howard Trapp. Ultimately, her most valuable and memorable experience of her life was being a member of The Greater St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, under the great former Pastor Rev. W. T. Bigelow. There, she enjoyed the spiritual leadership of his teachings and the wonderful fellowship of her brothers and sisters in Christ. If you ever had conversations with her, you would hear stories of her glorious experiences at St. Paul. She knew God was real and dedicated her life in walking a Godly lifestyle. She continued to worship there until Rev. Bigelow’s death and her health declined. A celebration of life service will be held at Scarborough & Hargett Celebration of Life Center, Inc., 309 N Queen Street, Durham, North Carolina 27701, on Saturday, February 19th; Viewing from 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. and Life Celebration Service at 11:00 a.m. Mrs. Willie T. Bell will be laid to rest in Beechwood Cemetery. In every effort to protect our families and their guests, face coverings are required. To view the recorded Celebration of Life Service for Mrs. Willie T. Bell: Please click the link below, https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/gWkgPqiYgkEIEdl4u-WuHpR6x7I-Kk7GoQhwWTfc8q_Rq_svgsBN-3rrH3T00maS.3CH_YEeyK_95Iy00 Access Passcode: H+8^wg4^

Mrs. Willie T. Bell

December 9, 1935 - February 1, 2022