Tonya Sherrel Bell

Tonya Bell of Bessemer, Alabama was born on March 21, 1971, to Bobby Joe Bell and Lorraine Davidson. 

At a young age, Tonya confessed hope in Jesus Christ at Porter Chapel C.M.E. Church.

She was a graduate of Brighton High School of the Jefferson County Schools system. She was an honors student, an athlete participating in basketball and cheerleading. After high school, she attended Talladega College and Miles College and ultimately enlisted in the Alabama Army National Guard. In 1991, Tonya proudly served her country alongside her father, Bobby Joe, in the same unit in the Persian Gulf War.

She was the proud, loving, and devoted mother of one son, Brian Bender, Jr.

On April 29, 2026, she returned to be with the Lord. She was predeceased by her beloved parents Bobby Joe Bell and Lorraine Davidsonn; grandparents, Bob and Annie Bell and Abel and Elizabeth Davidson.

Cherishing her precious memories are those she loved and will live on through her son, Brian Bender, Jr.; sisters, Uvonne Bell, Patrice Bell Freeman and Lyshia Bell Miller (Dwight); brothers, Anthony Davidson(Katrina), Eugene Bell, William Bell (Sheila), Tracy Lee (Tawnya) and Morris Lee. Tonya will also be lovingly remembered by a special sister, Kime Burgin and several aunts, uncles, and a host of nieces and nephews that she loved and cherished as her own.