Callisto Bell

BELL, Callisto F.March 28, 2012. She was born March 31, 1914 in Owensboro, KY. She was born to the late Dr. Robert B. and Julia Stewart Bell. Callisto's family moved to Nashville when she was very young. She attended Nashville Public Schools and graduated as class valedictorian from Pearl High School. She went on to attend Fisk University and graduated cum laude with an AB degree and MA degree, where she received the Distiniguished Alumni Award. Miss Bell continued to do graduate study at the Universidad Nacional de Mexico, University of Ohio, NC College for Negroes, and NDEA at Purdue University. Ms. Bell spent 37 years teaching in the Nashville Public Schools at Pearl Junior High School (2 years) and Pearl High School (35 years). She was a world traveler and found joy and excitement in what she experienced in foreign countries. She traveled extensively throughout Europe, South America, Africa, Mexico, Cuba, Canada, and Panama. Callisto was a lifetime member of Delta Sigmna Theta Sorority, Inc., life member of the GAAFU (General Alumni Association Fisk University), and member of the Fisk University Legacy Society. She was a member of Howard United Church of Christ (Congregational). She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Bennie B. McLendon and Modestine E. Bell; and nephew, Frederick McClendon. She is survived by devoted friend, caretaker, and family, Dr. Aldorothy L. Wright, Stephen, Sandra, Noelle, Nicole, and Shaneka; devoted friends who were always there for her, Mr. Melvin Gill, Ms. Genoveva Rodriquez, Mrs. Elizabeth Martin of South Carolina, and the Howard Church family. A special thanks to the 2nd floor staff at Bordeaux Long Term Care, Birmingham Building, who lovingly and tenderly took care of Ms. Bell. Visitation with the family on Tuesday, April 3, 2012 at 10:30 a.m., followed by the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Omega Omega service at Fisk Chapel. The memorial service will follow with Rev. Christophe Ringer officiating. In lieu of flowers, make contributions to Howard Congregational (UCC) Scholarship Program, 2802 Buchanan St., Nashville, TN 37208. LEWIS & WRIGHT FUNERAL DIRECTORS, 2500 Clarksville Pk., Nashville, TN 37208, (615)255-2371.