Minister Darlene Coakley Bell

With hearts full of love and gratitude, we honor the life of Minister Darlene Coakley Bell, a devoted woman of faith whose unwavering commitment to God shone through in all she did. Darlene dedicated her life to serving the Lord, spreading His word, and uplifting everyone she encountered. Her deep faith, compassionate spirit, and boundless love left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her. A beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, she touched countless lives with her kindness, grace, and steadfast devotion to God. Born December 18, 1956, in Chicago, Illinois, Darlene was the sixth child of Clarence and Florence Coakley. Affectionately known as “Dot” by her family, she was a woman of great strength and compassion. Darlene’s early education began at Thomas Chalmers Elementary School, followed by Manley Upper Grade Center and Harrison High School. In 1974, at just 18 years old, she traveled to Rome, Italy, where she had the honor of singing before Pope Paul VI as a member of the Harrison High School Acapella Choir, which went on to record a gospel album. She possessed the voice of an angel, using her gift to glorify God in church and among her loved ones. From an early age, she confessed a hope in Christ and was baptized under the leadership of Lady Lyons at Divine Kingdom of Christ and later continued her spiritual journey under Holy Raiders Revival, led by Reverend Freddy Mitchell. She went on to become an active member and faithful minister at Ambassadors for Christ under the leadership of Apostle Joseph L. Standford, where she remained dedicated to spreading the gospel and uplifting those in need. Darlene was a dedicated trainer for the ministry. She traveled to South Africa with her AFC family, and she preached, taught, sang, and faithfully led the prayer line, no matter the time zone. Darlene used ALL her gifts for the glory of God. She was a key figure in helping to establish the Elkhart chapter of AFC and played a significant role in launching Target Area Development in Chicago. In 1989, Darlene married the late Albert “Bo” Bell, and together they shared a beautiful life filled with love and laughter. Together they discovered a passion for home improvement projects, including plumbing and electrical work. They also devoted themselves to ministry, working side by side. In addition to her ministry and musical talents, Darlene had a passion for theater. She starred in numerous plays but was best known for her unforgettable performance as Sister Sophisticated in “Talking About the Church Folks”. Her charisma, humor, and stage presence left audiences inspired and entertained, further demonstrating her ability to uplift and connect with people through the arts. earned her bachelor’s degree in business. Beyond her ministry, Darlene’s heart for service led her into a compassionate career. She worked as a Registered Nurse at Children’s Memorial Hospital, where she cared for countless children with love and dedication. She later became the Director of Little Lambs Day Care Center in Elkhart, Indiana, where she nurtured and guided young lives. Her commitment to lifelong learning led her to return to school, where she In 2016, Darlene faced a life-threatening health challenge and many counted her out. But God had other plans. He said, “No,” and blessed her with eight more years of life. During those precious years, Darlene wasted no time. She lived life to the fullest, preaching, ministering to the hopeless, performing weddings, and working at Family Cares, where she nurtured young lives with the same love and faith she had always shared. Minister Darlene Coakley Bell peacefully entered eternal rest on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 6:30 AM. She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert; parents, Clarence and Florence Coakley; brothers, Bishop Lamont Coakley, Ronald C. Coakley, and John Frank Coakley; brothers-in-law, Charles Wilson and Andranado Berry; sisters-in-law, Pastor Cynthia Coakley, Polly Dockery-Coakley, and Vadie Jean Coakley; nephew, Ronald Sherome Dockery; and godson, Devon Davis. Sandra, Sequnnia (James), and Annie, and best friend, Sandra Ramsey. Darlene was a beloved mother to her son, Steven Robinson, and daughter-in-love, LaDonna. She adored her grandchildren—Radiance, Raven, Rachel, and Steven—who brought her immense joy. Darlene’s love and wisdom also extended to her siblings, LaVondra, Bernie, Brenda (Leroy), Clarence Jr., Phyllis (Shannon), Darlene loved her siblings’ children as her own, cherishing all 44 of them with an unbreakable bond that will forever remain in their hearts. She poured love, wisdom, and faith into each of their lives, leaving them with memories they will always treasure. Those who mourn her passing are Tawandra, Shemeka, Pierre, Lamont Jr., Absalom, Joshua, Jonathan, Prince, Lamonte, Chiquita, Bernie Jr., Gini, Romero, Joe, Kametta, Arnese, Keith, Rhonda, Tyrese, Ronald Jr., Crystal, Henderson, Cortez, Precious, Jasmine, Duke, Tyrone, Tyasia, Tyanna, James, Dawanda, Lillian, Clarence, Yvonne, Elizabeth, Charlotte, Jonathan, Tina, Paula, Angela, Denita, Yolanda, Michael, and Christopher. Her last surviving uncle, Houston Coakley, along with her goddaughters, JaRiyah, Dakota, and Toyer, with a host of great nieces and nephews, other family, and friends, will forever carry her memory in their hearts. T hough Minister Darlene Coakley Bell has left this earthly life, her spirit, love, and the faith she so boldly lived will forever remain. We find comfort in knowing that she is now rejoicing in the presence of the Lord, singing among the angels, and watching over us all.

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