HR735: HR735 Church, Reverend Clarice Marijetta Wyatt Bell; condolences

25 LC 129 0399 House Resolution 735 By: Representatives Bell of the 75th, McQueen of the 61st, Berry of the 56th, Olaleye of the 59th, Flournoy of the 74th, and others A RESOLUTION Honoring the life and legacy of Reverend Clarice Marijetta Wyat t Bell Church and1 expressing condolences to her family and loved ones; and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, Reverend Clarice Marijetta Wyatt Bell Church was born on December 9, 1929,3 a beloved daughter of the late Mr. Alonzo L. Wyatt of McDonough , Georgia, and Mrs.4 Clarice Wyatt (Williams-Vicks) of Camilla and Cuthbert, Georgia; and5 WHEREAS, she was preceded in death by her third child, Mr. Roy C. Bell, Jr., and is6 survived by her beloved children, Dr. Ava P. Bell-Taylor, Mr. Eric Wyatt Bell (Sylvia), and7 Dr. Clarice Marijetta Bell-Strayhorn; her grandchildren, Winston Wyatt Taylor and Ava P.8 Taylor; as well as Erica V. Bell and Georgia State Representative Eric Wyatt Bell II; Jasmine9 Hardnette; Jetta Marie Strayhorn; Zaila Clarice Strayhorn; and Wyatt D. Strayhorn; and a10 host of loving cousins of the Wyatt family and the Williams-Vicks family; and11 WHEREAS, affectionately called Marijetta by her parents, Revere nd Church was deeply12 influenced by her family's values of hard work and education, with her father laboring as a13 Pullman Porter to provide for his family and her mother ensuring her academic foundation,14 beginning with Spelman College Nursery School; and15 H. R. 735 - 1 - 25 LC 129 0399 WHEREAS, she pursued her education despite the challenges of se gregation, excelling at16 Ashby Street School, Booker T. Washington High School, and later earning a Bachelor of17 Arts in Biology with a minor in Mathematics from Spelman College at the age of 20; and18 WHEREAS, she embarked on a distinguished career in library science, beginning at Howard19 University before earning a Master of Science in Library Scienc e from Atlanta University20 as an Andrew Carnegie Library Fellow; and21 WHEREAS, Reverend Church was a dedicated civil rights advocate, supporting her husband,22 Dr. Roy C. Bell, in his work with the Southern Christian Leader ship Conference, and was23 instrumental in the desegregation of Grady Memorial Hospital; and24 WHEREAS, throughout her life, she embraced new opportunities, e xcelling in education,25 real estate, music, and public service, serving as a librarian and media specialist at numerous26 institutions, and establishing Clarice Church Realty; and27 WHEREAS, she was an ordained deacon and later a minister, publishing multiple books and28 earning a Doctor of Ministry Degree at the age of 77, demonstrating a lifelong commitment29 to spiritual growth and service; and30 WHEREAS, Reverend Church embodied the principles of love, faith , perseverance, and31 education, extending her home to those in need and ministering to the vulnerable, especially32 those affected by addiction and homelessness; and33 WHEREAS, her unwavering faith was affirmed when she was ordained by Bishop Dale C.34 Bronner, and she continued her ministry by publishing books, offering prayers in church, and35 housing the unhoused well into her 90s; and36 H. R. 735 - 2 - 25 LC 129 0399 WHEREAS, she lived a life of elegance, intellect, humor, and resilience, remaining active37 and engaged until the very end, leaving an indelible mark on her family, her community, and38 the world; and39 WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that this remarkab le Georgian be40 appropriately honored and remembered for her service, faith, and profound impact.41 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that42 the members of this body honor the extraordinary life and legac y of Reverend Clarice43 Marijetta Wyatt Bell Church, extend their deepest sympathies to her family, and recognize44 the lasting impact of her contributions.45 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized46 and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to the family of Reverend47 Clarice Marijetta Wyatt Bell Church.48 H. R. 735 - 3 -