Iris Elizabeth Bell

Iris Elizabeth Bell was born on August 3, 1937, in Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies. She was one of three children born to her parents Christian Arthur and Gwendolyn McPherson.  From an early age, Iris carried a vibrant spirit, a deep sense of faith, and a natural grace that would define her life and the way she touched others.

Iris described herself as a very hardworking young girl who loved school, especially studying the Bible. Her love of God followed her throughout her life and laid the foundation for all that she built for herself and her family.

Iris married young and had three children from her first marriage: Debbie Joy, Cheryl Youlette, and Denise Michelle. Shortly after having Denise, Iris journeyed to America, where she met and eventually married Clyde Bell Jr., and together they had two children, Sandra Dee and Scott Arthur. Iris was known to say, “All that I do and have is for my children.” She was a devoted mother whose greatest happiness came from caring for her family, offering unwavering support, wisdom, and love.

Iris Bell began her career in the early 1970s in social work at QSPCA, where she served as a caseworker protecting the most vulnerable children in society. This calling became her lifelong mission. After the tragic loss of her husband Clyde at a young age, Iris, now a mother of five, made the courageous decision to return to school. She pursued and earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Adelphi University. From there, her career flourished. She led workshops teaching parenting skills to help reunite families and later supported unwed teen mothers after relocating to Maryland. Throughout her professional journey, Iris shared the wisdom she gained, often using it to guide and inform her own path as a mother.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. Iris was a devoted Christian who loved the Lord and His son Jesus Christ. She faithfully belonged to ministries including Judea Baptist Church in Hempstead, Long Island, and later served as an Evangelist, even preaching in her church in Maryland. She cherished fellowship and found strength, peace, and purpose through her relationship with God.

Iris also had a remarkable love for singing. Her voice, filled with warmth and sincerity, uplifted many and brought comfort and inspiration to those who heard her. She sang beautifully and faithfully, gracing churches in service to God for as long as she was able.

She was known for her elegance and unmistakable sense of style. Iris loved clothes and took pride in presenting herself with dignity, grace, and confidence wherever she went. Her wardrobe reflected her personality—bold, refined, and full of life—and she inspired others to take pride in their appearance.

Iris was an intelligent, loving, and spirited woman—fierce in her humanity. She loved plants, loved to cook, and excelled at it. If you ever had her peas and rice, you know. She had a wonderful sense of humor, enjoyed a good debate, and could often be found at the table enjoying a piece of fried fish, one of her favorite dishes.

Her home was a place of warmth, laughter, and togetherness, where memories were made and cherished.

Iris is survived by her beloved children: Debbie Richardson (Jacob), Cheryl Stone (Calvin), Denise Bailey (Ron), Sandra Bell (Rondell), and Scott Bell (Crystal); her cherished grandchildren, El-Raheem Jabbar Spears, Daniel J. Richardson, William Nunes, Christian Stone, Van Bailey, Autumn Bailey, Julian Bailey, GraceBailey, Symerrhi Pritchett, Ava Bell, and Benjamin Bell; and her great-grandchildren, Jabbar Lior Spears, Andrew Nunes, Jasmine Nunes, Winter Nunes, William Nunes Jr., Alonna Bailey, Elana, along with a host of other relatives and dear friends.

Iris Elizabeth Bell is a testament to perseverance, faith, and trust in God. When sharing wisdom, she would often say, “My spirit directed me to do this,” or “My spirit led me to do that.” You might call her and hear her crying, only for her to say they were happy tears—tears of gratitude for all that God had done for her.

She will be remembered for her elegance, her unwavering faith, her beautiful voice, and the deep love she had for her family. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and in the memories that will forever be cherished.

Today we celebrate our Mom, Mommy, Momma, Ma, Mema, and Grandma.
We love you, and we thank you.

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