Raymond Bell's Funeral Home

J.F. Bell Funeral, founded in 1892, is the oldest black owned funeral home in the city. The father, J.F. Bell, graduated from Hampton University and then Worsham School of Embalming to pursue his career. After his death, his son, John, Henry, and Raymond, assumed responsibility for the funeral business.

Raymond Bell graduated from Boston University in 1953. Raymond's activism in student government, dramatics club, and debating society during college, proved to be beneficial in 1963 when he became the first black appointed to the Charlottesville School Board. Bell's goal on the school board was to enhance educational opportunities for blacks.

"When Vinegar Hill was in its prime, there was no black high school here. So, when the blacks would come out of elementary school, they would go to - For example, my mother went to Virginia State College to go to high school. They had a high school at Virginia State. So, she would go there. They went there for two years."

Clearly understanding the history of black education in Charlottesville and his monumental appointment, Bell employed all opportunities to improve the system and provide equal and just education.

Bell fully understood the past and preset position of blacks in Charlottesville. Along with being the director of J.F. Bell Funeral, Raymond was also a member of the Charlottesville NAACP Executive Board. And also served as Executive Director of Piedmont Regional Business League, an organization designed to promote minority business in the area.

Home