Vannie Mae Bell Wilson

A star fell from the heaven on August 21, 1949 and was named, VANNIE MAE BELL. This bright shining star was blessed with loving spiritual parents, the late Douglas Ernest Anderson and Mary Lou Williams. Vannie was the 3rd of 7 Children; James, Tommy, Delores, Jacqueline and Andrew. Douglas, Jr. preceded her in death. Vannie was born in Florence, South Carolina. Her family migrated to Baltimore, Maryland in 1954 and she was educated in the Baltimore Public Schools. She graduated from Edmondson High School and attended Coppin State College. At a young age, Vannie found the Lord. Christ became the center of her life. She loved the Lord and was steadfast in being a member of New Hope Baptist Church. She later joined Bethel AME and worshiped there for many years until she found and fell in love with Agape Miracle; here is where she blossomed. Her then Pastor Eleanor Bryant saw her personality and placed her as Head Hospitality Chairman. Vannie enjoyed that position and was able to mentor others how to welcome saints into the house of the Lord. She also served in the appointed position of Trustee by Pastor Cynthia Gaston in 2007 because of her trustworthiness. She made sure to account for every penny! Vannie worked in this capacity of Trustee from 2007 until her health failed in 2017. Vannie was employed as a waitress at Hoschold Khon Department store, also as a substitute teacher in the public schools. She was hired by Social Security Administration and worked there for 30 years and retired in 1993. At the tender age of 29, Vannie met a young dapper Dan, Calvin Wilson, while out partying with her girlfriend. They had a whirlwind relationship. He made himself irresistible to her and they married on July 27, 1979. They had no children together but she loved and embraced his 3 children as her own. Vannie was an advocate for always improving their life situations, always wanting better. Vannie was a loving, giving, compassionate and caring person to everyone she met. Upon meeting her you were not a stranger. Her energy engulfed you and welcomed you in her presence, I’m her home and in her life. Can you hear her saying, “hi baby, how you doing? You alright, you need anything, you hungry? Come on in and get what you want, whatever you need?” She truly portrayed that southern hospitality. Like the colors in the rainbow seen and unseen, Vannie was a mixture of them all, showing: purity, faithfulness, strength, truth, endurance, love, life, power, beauty, royalty, happiness, peace, and the Glory of God. She loved her family. She was blessed to provide a place to see them come together in, enjoying, and appreciating each other while eating good food, talking, and just having fun. These family gatherings were enjoyed by her many friends also. This made her happy. She kept the family tradition going. Vannie had many talents and skills and she enjoyed sharing them by: making anything out of money as a monetary gifts, planning bus trips, a great conversationist, net-worker, had a great sense of humor and many more. Vannie was REAL. What you see is what you get with her, she was always the same! She didn’t care who was around, when she got hot, off came the wig. This happened in the presence of a young man who was dismayed at what he saw- her plaits standing straight up in the air like antennas. He’s probably still shocked today. Yes to know Vannie is to love her. Vannie we will miss your good cooking and hearing you say “come on over, I’m having a cookout, come get a plate”. During her illness her family made sure she was covered in all aspects of her life. They; namely Calvin, James, Dee, Jackie, Nikki, Mark and Andrew, saw to her every need. They took care of, her home, her care-in and out of the hospital, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and even her dog, CoCo. She thanked God for her family and the love they showed toward her. Vannie was a kindred spirit, the energy she generated created her life. Her spirit is here amongst all of us today. Although we loved and will miss her, God loved her best. Vannie went home on the morning train January 3,2022. When it looked like the sun wasn’t gonna shine anymore, God put a rainbow in the sky! When we see that rainbow again after the storm clouds roll away, we’ll stop, take it in and reflect on the peace and joy you brought in our lives. “YOU are our rainbow”. She leaves to continue her legacy of life, her loving and devoted husband, Calvin; 3 step-children, Calvin, Jr., Pamela and Marcus; 6 grandchildren; 1 great grandchildren; 2 sisters, Delores Smith and Jacqueline Anderson; 1 adopted sister, Mary Parker; 1 spiritual sister, Pastor Cynthia Gaston, 3 brothers, James Williams, Tommy Ross and Andrew Anderson (Vonnie); 3 sisters-in-law, Joanne Wilson, Marie Wilson and Valerie Muhammad; 3 Brothers-in-law, Stevie Wilson, Mark Wilson and James Muhammad; a spiritual friend, Rosa Lee; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family and friends.

Tributes

Vannie Mae Bell Wilson

August 21, 1949 - January 3, 2022