Karen Bell

Karen Denise Bell, affectionately known as “Sweetie” was born February 11, 1955, and went home to be with the Lord August 30, 2018. Karen was born to Cameria Knox Bell and Willie Bell in Anniston, Alabama. After her birth, the family moved to Columbus, Ohio in 1956.

A lifelong Christian, Karen gave her life to Christ at the age of 9 at the Love Zion Baptist Church. A graduate of Columbus South High School, class of 1973, Karen approached school as she did all of her interests; with zeal, energy and enthusiasm. She did not just participate, she gave her all. Karen excelled in school as a student and was involved in many extracurricular activities including cheerleading, student government and homecoming court. Karen held a Bachelor’s Degree from Capital University, and was a Licensed Social Worker in the State of Ohio.

Diminutive in size, Karen was a strong, vibrant and fiercely independent woman; powerful in spirit. Feisty and charming, she had a smile and a presence that would light any room! She was a positive force and voice for the voiceless. Karen loved her serving profession. She worked many years for Franklin County Children Services (FCCS) helping to protect children. She created training programs, recruiting volunteers as well as foster and adoptive parents. As a founding member of SIMBA, (a FCCS mentoring program) she was able to pursue her desire towards the success of African American boys,

After leaving FCCS, Karen lived her childhood dream of working in television while living in New York City. She became a TV Producer with KingWorld Productions and worked on nationally syndicated shows such as “Rolonda,” and “The Les Brown Show.” She also started her own production company, “KBB Production”. Karen won many accolades and awards for her production work. Upon returning to Columbus, Karen was involved with a philanthropic group headed by Bob Johnson and Cicely Tyson. Together, they delivered medical equipment donated by Nationwide Children’s Hospital to Liberia for Liberian children. Karen’s most recent employer was the Franklin County Office on Aging, and the Senior Options program where she helped to enhance the lives of seniors. She truly loved what she did, and her clients meant the world to her. 

Karen was a person of strong faith with a deep love for the Lord whom she loved with all her heart. She was a long-time active member of Second Baptist Church where she was a member of the choir and worked with the children and mission’s ministries. Karen was a wonderful praise dancer. She taught liturgical dance at many churches in Columbus. She was also a member of New Salem Baptist Church before joining The Vineyard Church in 2017. 

Karen was a wonderful mother and was blessed with three loving and devoted sons, Greg, Gordon (Tiaka) and Jordan (Adrienne) Winbush. She was the grandmother or Sweetie to 5 grandchildren; Elexis, Tatiana, Marlana, Jordan Jr. and Janelle; the great grand-mother to 3 boys, Kyzier, Kairo, and Costello. She leaves a rich legacy of service to others for her sisters and brothers; Rhonda Bell (Stephen) Franklin, Angela (Christopher) Tucker McCaleb, Cameria White, Willie Roger (Patricia) Turner and Jeffrey (Marquetta) Slappy. “Aunt Sweetie” also shared her love and will be missed by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A loyal and nurturing friend, Karen will also be deeply missed by a great team of close and life- long friends whom she loved and wanted the best for.

Visitation 9:00am and Funeral 10:00am Saturday, September 8, 2018 at Christian Valley Baptist Church, 3330 Scottwood Rd.

Interment at Glen Rest Memorial Estates.