WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Christina Marie Bell, age 54, of Centreville, passed away Wednesday, January 1, 2025 at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo. She was born March 15, 1970 in Vicksburg, a daughter of Brian and Paula (Sloan) Johnson. Chris graduated from Centreville High School in 1988, and studied Journalism at Kalamazoo Valley Community College for 2 years. She was a freelance sports journalist for the Sturgis Journal for several years and continued that work once she became an office administrator at Crocker Ltd. in Centreville from 1991 – 2005. After that, she volunteered at Centreville Elementary Schools in 2007, later being hired as a Reading Interventionalist where she worked until present day.
On May 22, 1993, Chris married Richard E. Bell at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bronson. Chris was a Jr. Pro basketball coach at Centreville Elementary School, later working her way up to being the JV Coach from 2014 – 2023. She was also an assistant softball coach, track meet volunteer, and helped with timing at cross country meets. She was a member of the Centreville Athletic Boosters for many years.
Surviving Chris are her husband Richard Bell; daughters Samantha Bell and Andrea Bell, all of Centreville; mother Paula (Dennis) Edson, Centreville; father Brian (Kay) Johnson, Lantana, FL; sister Heather Kent, Portage; brother Kevin (Nicole) Edson, Colon; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her grandparents.
Relatives and friends will be received Tuesday from 2 to 4 PM and 6 to 8 PM at Firm Foundation Ministries in Centreville, where funeral services will be Wednesday at 11:00 AM. Pastor Doug Schwartz and Pastor David Peterson will officiate. Interment will be in Prairie River Cemetery in Centreville. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family. Visit Christina’s memorial page to leave a message for her family at www.eleyfuneralhomes.com.
