Verlenda Bell

Mrs. Verlenda Smith Bell of Tampa, passed away Friday, January 10, 2020.  Funeral services will be conducted, Saturday, January 25, at 2 p.m. at Designer’s Way Christian Church, 3910 US 301 HWY, with Pastor Ron Simmons, officiating. Interment will follow in Garden of Memories Cemetery.  

Verlenda Smith Bell, was the youngest of 4 children born in Panama City, FL to Aldine Smith and Jessie Bell Smith.  Her love for education was kindled by the public schools of Bay County Public School System. 

Verlenda married Marvin Coleman Sr. and their union loved and nurtured 5 children, Darrell, Marvin, Melvin, Anthony, and Latoia.  Verlenda and her family left the Panama City, FL area in the early 70’s as her husband fulfilled his military obligation in the United States Air Force which led her to the Tampa Bay area, where she spent a majority of her life. 

Verlenda was an educator with the School District of Hillsborough County for 33 years. Her passionate spirit for teaching led her to King Sr. High and Robinson Sr. High until the mid 80’s when she found her calling in early education and was a dynamic Head start educator at Orange Grove Elementary, Lockhart Elementary, Potter Early Learning Center, and Oak Park Elementary school.

Verlenda Smith Bell was preceded in death by: her parents; and her sister, Brenda Stevens.  She leaves to cherish her memory: her children, Darrell Coleman, Marvin Coleman (Stephanie), Melvin Coleman (Toni), Anthony Coleman (Tasha), and Latoia Perkins (Jamar); her sister, Leveda Robinson; and her brother, Anthony Smith (Evelyn);  her grandchildren, Darrell Jr., King Najmi, Queen O’Darrielle, Elijah C., Isaiah, Angelia, Elijah H., Elyssa, Jordan, Justin, Donald, Andrew, Kisha, Alia, Vhnyka, Anthony Jr., Ashley, Jamarcus,  Jada, Jawaun, and Layla; and a host of loving great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, colleagues, and friends. 

The remains will repose after 5:00 p.m. Friday, January 24, at Ray Williams Funeral Home, 301 N. Howard Avenue.

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