Alicia Eugenia White Bell was born on February 22,1943, to parents John Alfred and Emmie Lucinda White in Macon, GA. Born the fourth of five children, Alicia’s spirit was as radiant as her smile. From her early years, it was clear she was destined to leave a meaningful mark on the world.
Alicia graduated 3rd Honor Student from Ballard Hudson High School in 1961. She matriculated to Paine College in Augusta, GA, and graduated Salutatorian, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts in 1965.
Upon graduation, she answered the call to serve in the Peace Corps—a journey that would shape her worldview and affirm her lifelong commitment to compassion and justice. In 1965, she met and marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the historic Selma to Montgomery protest march.
Alicia relocated to San Diego, CA in 1967. On Valentine’s Day, in 1969, she met her sweetheart, John Forest Bell, Jr., and on November 21, 1969, they were married. They were blessed to be the proud parents of two sons, Charlton and Damon. Their home was a haven of laughter, creativity, and unconditional love.
With wisdom, empathy, and strength, Alicia walked alongside those striving to change their lives. Her career and community leadership were her ministry—an extension of her unwavering belief in redemption, dignity, and the power of second chances.
Alicia proudly served her San Diego community in various capacities, including: Lead Instructor at the Gingerbread Headstart program; Deputy Probation Officer-County of San Diego Juvenile Division (retiring after 20 years); Older Adult Instructor-San Diego Community College Continuing Education; a business entrepreneur and owner of “Just Because” Boutique, specializing in designer hats, silk and fresh floral arrangements; interior designer to many low income senior community residents at no or nominal costs; motivational speaker and life coach at local community and church events; founding member of Ladies Involved in Vital Experiences, Inc. (L.I.V.E.); past president of Encanto AARP Chapter #5417; and former board member and community ambassador of the Fourth District Seniors Resource Center.
Her faith was her foundation. A pillar in her church, Phillips Temple CME, Alicia led with grace and humility—whether teaching, mentoring, organizing, or simply offering a listening ear and an open heart. Her leadership was marked not by fanfare, but by quiet strength, deep compassion, and a heart for service.
Creativity was the canvas on which she expressed joy. From event planning to design projects that transformed spaces and lifted spirits, Alicia had an eye for beauty and a gift for making something extraordinary out of the ordinary. Serving as the preferred designer for her church and the George Steven’s Senior Center, Alicia delighted in the little things (especially retail therapy), and believed that a pop of color or a trip to the arts and craft store could brighten any day.
But above all, Alicia loved her family. Her children, Charlton and Damon, grandson, Amir, sisters, nieces, and nephews were her greatest joy and proudest legacy. She was their fiercest advocate, warmest comfort, and most consistent prayer warrior.
She leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, resilience, and joy. To know her was to be inspired by her. She taught us how to live with grace, give without condition, and love without limits.
Though our hearts are heavy, we rejoice knowing she is now at peace, surrounded by light, and held in the everlasting arms of the God she served so faithfully.
Alicia entered into eternal peace at her home on Saturday, June 14, 2025.
Alicia was preceded in death by her parents; John Alfred and Emmie Lucinda White, husband John F. Bell, brothers; Jonoscar (J.O.) and Cleveland W. White, and nephew San Diego City Councilman, Charles L. Lewis III.
She is survived by sons; Charlton Shabazz & Damon Bell, grandson Amir Shabazz, sisters; Cynthia White Parks and Rosemary White Pope, nieces; Vikki Summers and Charos Lewis-Goodman, nephew Fred Parks, Jr., great-nephews; Joseph “LJ” Maull IV, Zion Maull, and Aaron “AJ” Summers, great-nieces; Cynthia Bostick and Alveta Watkins, and countless loved ones and friends whose lives were forever touched by her presence.
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” Proverbs 31:26-28
To the world she was our mom, sister, aunt, friend, and mentor, but to our family, she was the world.
A celebration of life service will be held on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Phillips Temple CME Church at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers and in remembrance of Alicia’s life and love, please make donations to the Fourth District Seniors Resource Center.
