Edward Bell

Edward James Bell, affectionately known as “Cuda,” “Biggum” and “Ed,” second son of the late Early and Lena Bell, was born June 15, 1935. On Sunday, July 13, 2003 God peacefully called him home to his eternal resting place.At an early age the family moved from Florence, South Carolina to Baltimore, Maryland. Here the family joined the Gillis Memorial Christian community Church. Ed continued his faith in God and finally joined All Saints Lutheran Church. During his illness he expressed his continued belief in God.He attended the public schools of Baltimore City and graduated from Paul Laurence Dunbar Senior High School in June, 1954.Upon graduating from high school, Ed joined the United States Air Force and served for four years. He received and honorable discharge and continued his educational pursuits. He attended Baltimore Community College, The Apex Barber School and the Baltimore School of Electronics, receiving Degrees and/or Certificates from each.Ed’s first employment experience was at the Patuxent Penal Institution as a Correctional Officer. He joined the Baltimore City Fire Department in 1961. After thirty years of service, he retired as a Lieutenant.He was joined in Holy Matrimony to Frechetter Cunningham in 1968.He was very efficient, talented and active in many activities and organizations. While in high school he played on the baseball team and tried out for Major League Baseball as a pitcher. He remained, until his illness, and active member of the Poets Athletic Club and served on Dunbar High School’s Athletic Committee. He belonged to several bowling leagues. He also bowled with travel leagues. He was a member of the Vulcan Blazers Baltimore City, The Pioneer Firefighters Organization and the Sigma Phi Sigma Fraternity. He was also a member of the Big Brothers Organization and served as a mentor.In 1999 Ed was selected to serve on the Housing Association Corporation (HAC). Ed was also an excellent handyman and could fix just about anything. He maintained his own home inside and out. He was called to assist family, friends, neighbors and his church with their projects and problems.When he retired from the Fire Department, he worked part-time as a driver for ADP Company in Owings Mills, Maryland until his illness prevented him from working.Ed made numerous friends wherever he went and will be sincerely missed by everyone who knew him.He leaves to cherish his memory: a devoted wife, Frechetter; one sister, Fannie Harvey; one brother, Thomas Bell; two aunts, Catherine Robinson and Ann Ingram of New York; thee brothers-in-law, Warren Harvey, Sterling Cunningham (Wynolo and Nelson Taylor; three sisters-in-law, Arnetha Bell, Mamie Cunningham, Lois Conaway (Cornell); several nieces, nephews, a host of other relatives and friends, including two special friends and caregivers, William (Billy) White and Carl Beasley.

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Edward Bell

June 15, 1935 - July 13, 2003