Robert L. Bell, Jr.

Robert Lee Bell Jr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and steadfast follower of Christ, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2024, at the age of 65. Robert was born June 2, 1959, in Brownsville, TN. The son of Robert Bell and Azlane Taylor, Robert was affectionately called Junior by his closest family but was also known to long-time friends as Junior Bell. Robert was raised in Decatur, Illinois, and was a member of The Church of the Living God Temple 1. He attended Macarthur High School, participating in sports, including track and field and basketball, while working at Caterpillar. Robert graduated in 1977 and attended Richland Community College. His oldest child, daughter Temethia Joyner, was born the very next year in 1978. While in Decatur, Robert worked for Caterpillar until he moved to Denver, Colorado, in 1981. He married his childhood friend Janine Harris in 1988 in Rockford, Illinois. Robert Lee Bell Jr. was hardworking and passionate about making progress. He was employed at Rocky Flatts as a Government Contractor in 1988, where he met the love of his life, Valerie Pope. Robert and Valerie formed an unbreakable bond and married on October 4, 1997. In 2002, their son, Robert Lee Bell III (Tre’), was born. Robert worked at Rocky Flats for over 20 years. His business, JB’s Janitorial Services, was born in 1993. He ran the company with the support of his devoted son and a handful of close employees until he fell ill in the summer of 2024, with clients that included Hercules and Peace with Christ. While starting and running his business, he also worked full-time for Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and subsidiaries in the Denver area. Robert Lee Bell Jr. was a devout Christian and attributed member of Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church in Aurora, Colorado, where he served as an usher. He lived a life marked by a deep love for his family, steadfast faith, and a commitment to supporting those he cherished, no matter the distance. Robert was known for his generosity, kindness, and willingness to lend a hand to those in need. He had a gift for influencing others and often pushed and encouraged those to constantly strive to be and do better. He frequently spoke of progressing to “the next level,” something those close to him felt obligated to pursue spiritually, academically, and financially. Robert and his wife Valerie, with whom he shared an enduring partnership for over 30 years, are a testament to his faith and love for her. They shared a journey filled with love, laughter, and mutual respect, creating a strong foundation that nurtured their beautiful family over the years. As a father to his daughter Temethia and son Robert III, Robert was characterized by unwavering support and love. He remained a constant presence in their lives, offering guidance, advice, encouragement, and a listening ear. His support extended to his three beloved grandchildren, whom he cherished deeply, and his son-in-law Emile, with whom he shared a special bond. Robert made every effort to be present for milestones and celebrations, bridging the physical gap with his heartfelt presence and unyielding support. His legacy of faith, love, and selflessness will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him. Robert Lee Bell Jr. is survived by his wife, Valerie; his children, Robert III and Temethia (Emile) Joyner of Decatur, IL; father, Robert Bell Sr. of Decatur, IL; his three grandchildren, De’Abrion (De’J) of St. Louis, MO, Maleeyah, and Jesiah both of Decatur, IL brothers Robert Earl (Barbara) Moore of Saginaw, MI, Briant (Rhonda) Bell of Denver, CO, sisters Georgia Bell of Stonecrest, GA, Elma (James) Butler of Durham, NC., Tongya Bell of Decatur, IL and Angela Bell of Champaign, IL, and a host of nieces and nephews. Robert was preceded in death by his mother, Azlane Taylor, sister, Flosietta Jones, mother-in-love Elizabeth Pope, and stepmother, Katie Bell. Celebration of Life services will be held in Colorado. Visitation will be Friday, September 6, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Pipkin Braswell Funeral Home, Denver, CO 80220. The service will be on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church, Aurora, CO 80247. Burial will be at Olinger Hampden Gardens, Denver, CO.