Reverend Gwendolyn A. Bell

Reverend Gwendolyn Bell, affectionately known as Gwen, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at the age of seventy-seven. She was preceded in death by her mother, Elizabeth Ferrell; and her brother, Larry Miller. She leaves to cherish her memory one sister, Janet Jackson, Enola, PA; three children, Bruce Bell, Bristol, PA, James Bell, Manheim PA, and Lisa Wheeler (son-in-law, Jeff), Lancaster, PA; eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces and cousins. Also included as family would be her very close and dear friends. Gwen was born Wednesday, July 30, 1947, in Wellborn, FL, to Elizabeth Ferrell and Earl Miller. She graduated from Bristol High School, Class of 1965. She attended Bucks County Community College and began her Undergrad Studies at Geneva College. Throughout the late 1960s and 1970s, she was deeply involved in church and community affairs, reflecting her lifelong commitment to faith and serving. In 1996, Gwen began her journey in ministry, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Urban Ministry Management from The Center of Urban Theological Studies. Reverend Bell attended and graduated from Payne Theological Seminary in 2001 as Valedictorian with a Master of Divinity. She was ordained an Itinerate Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. During her tenure in ministry, Reverend Gwen was a prayer warrior in the Christian Woman Oasis in Bristol, PA. She served as Philadelphia Conference Coordinator for AME Women in Ministry and was an active member in this organization locally and nationally. Reverend Bell served as Assistant Pastor of Bethel AME Church in Bristol. She served in the Harrisburg District as the Pastor of St. Peters AME Church in Shippensburg, PA, Assistant Pastor at Mt. Sinai AME Church in Harrisburg, PA, and Pastor at St. Paul AME Church in Waynesboro, PA. Though officially retired in 2022, her dedication to ministry continued until 2024. Her faith and love for God were immense and unwavering. She was a strong woman of God. Yet, Gwen was more than her roles, she was a true Christian who loved God above all else. She was also a loving daughter, mother, sister, nana, aunt and great friend. Her kind soul and generous heart left an indelible mark on all who knew her. She cherished her family deeply, treasuring every shared moment, whether it was family dinners, enjoying simple conversations or baking her famous pumpkin rolls! While she will be greatly missed, her love and the memories she created will remain with us forever. Submitted in Love and Humble Submission to God’s Will, The Family of Reverend Gwendolyn A. Bell FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CLICK ON THE SHARE A MEMORY TAB TO POST VIDEOS, SHARE MEMORIES, CONDOLENCES, REFLECTIONS OR SIMPLY LEAVE YOUR NAME. A MEMORIAL SERVICE WILL BE HELD 11 A.M., SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2024, AT BETHEL A.M.E. CHURCH, 260 WOOD STREET, ST. BRISTOL, PA.

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Reverend Gwendolyn A. Bell

July 30, 1947 - November 20, 2024