Lucille Bell

Lucille (Johnson) Bell of Baltimore, Maryland, passed away quietly on the afternoon of December 1, 2022 in her home, surrounded by her loving children and longtime partner, Reginald Bradford.

The third of eight children, she was born on May 23, 1946, in Baltimore, Maryland to the late Esther Theodate Morris and the late Oakland Johnson Sr. After attending Frederick Douglas High School, Lucille worked 30 years as a Nurse’s Aide at Maryland General Hospital.

As a single mother of two very active boys, Lucille diligently set societal positive examples for her children, relatives and neighbors.  Despite many obstacles and biases against female household heads, Lucille’s persistence and resolve enabled her to purchase/own two houses and later a business establishment. Her home was always a warm welcoming oasis for anybody who needed comfort. Lucille always had a special place in her heart for her nephew “Johnny” (John Chalmers) due to his closeness with her sons Anthony and Victor.

In 1976, she married Willie Bell, whom she later divorced. In 1978, Lucille and Willie welcomed their daughter, Lisa.

During retirement Lucille awakened her entrepreneurial talents by partnering with son Anthony in owning and operating Tony’s Place Bar & Tavern; a safe neighborhood gathering spot with a familial atmosphere. In addition Lucille also provided a much needed community service by opening Bell House, an assisted living facility for women with mental and emotional disabilities.

Lucille encouraged academic curiosity and growth and thinking for one's self by stressing the importance of learning and travel. She had a never ending passion for antiques, cooking and gardening.

Lucille later met her partner, Reginald “Reggie” Bradford, with whom she shared many wonderful loving years traveling between Baltimore and York Pennsylvania.

Lucille was predeceased by her parents, Esther Theodate Morris and Oakland Johnson Sr., and her siblings Vivian Montague, Melvin Johnson and Leslie Johnson.

Lucille is survived by her dedicated life partner, Reginald Bradford; her children, Anthony Keith Johnson Sr., Victor Troy Johnson and Lisa Bell; her grandchildren, Anthony Keith Johnson Jr., Antonio Keith Johnson Sr., Maria Johnson(married name), Shannon Johnson, Vashti Tobiah Johnson and Joshua David Johnson; her great-grandchild, Antonio Keith Johnson Jr.; and her siblings, Victoria Adams (Larry), Michael Johnson, Leland Johnson (Maggie) and Leona Adams (Dennis); and many more loving nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.