HR 735: Church, Reverend Clarice Marijetta Wyatt Bell; condolences

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 Wyatt Bell Church and expressing condolences to her family and loved ones; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, Reverend Clarice Marijetta Wyatt Bell Church was born on December 9, 1929, a beloved daughter of the late Mr. Alonzo L. Wyatt of McDonough, Georgia, and Mrs. Clarice Wyatt (Williams-Vicks) of Camilla and Cuthbert, Georgia; and

WHEREAS, she was preceded in death by her third child, Mr. Roy C. Bell, Jr., and is survived by her beloved children, Dr. Ava P. Bell-Taylor, Mr. Eric Wyatt Bell (Sylvia), and Dr. Clarice Marijetta Bell-Strayhorn; her grandchildren, Winston Wyatt Taylor and Ava P. Taylor; as well as Erica V. Bell and Georgia State Representative Eric Wyatt Bell II; Jasmine Hardnette; Jetta Marie Strayhorn; Zaila Clarice Strayhorn; and Wyatt D. Strayhorn; and a host of loving cousins of the Wyatt family and the Williams-Vicks family; and

WHEREAS, affectionately called Marijetta by her parents, Reverend Church was deeply influenced by her family's values of hard work and education, with her father laboring as a Pullman Porter to provide for his family and her mother ensuring her academic foundation, beginning with Spelman College Nursery School; and

WHEREAS, she pursued her education despite the challenges of segregation, excelling at Ashby Street School, Booker T. Washington High School, and later earning a Bachelor of Arts in Biology with a minor in Mathematics from Spelman College at the age of 20; and

WHEREAS, she embarked on a distinguished career in library science, beginning at Howard University before earning a Master of Science in Library Science from Atlanta University as an Andrew Carnegie Library Fellow; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Church was a dedicated civil rights advocate, supporting her husband, Dr. Roy C. Bell, in his work with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and was instrumental in the desegregation of Grady Memorial Hospital; and

WHEREAS, throughout her life, she embraced new opportunities, excelling in education, real estate, music, and public service, serving as a librarian and media specialist at numerous institutions, and establishing Clarice Church Realty; and

WHEREAS, she was an ordained deacon and later a minister, publishing multiple books and earning a Doctor of Ministry Degree at the age of 77, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to spiritual growth and service; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Church embodied the principles of love, faith, perseverance, and education, extending her home to those in need and ministering to the vulnerable, especially those affected by addiction and homelessness; and

WHEREAS, her unwavering faith was affirmed when she was ordained by Bishop Dale C. Bronner, and she continued her ministry by publishing books, offering prayers in church, and housing the unhoused well into her 90s; and

WHEREAS, she lived a life of elegance, intellect, humor, and resilience, remaining active and engaged until the very end, leaving an indelible mark on her family, her community, and the world; and

WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that this remarkable Georgian be appropriately honored and remembered for her service, faith, and profound impact.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body honor the extraordinary life and legacy of Reverend Clarice Marijetta Wyatt Bell Church, extend their deepest sympathies to her family, and recognize the lasting impact of her contributions.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to the family of Reverend Clarice Marijetta Wyatt Bell Church.