Hyacinth (Peggy) Bell

March 3, 1948 - April 2, 2022

Hyacinth Althica Bell, affectionately known as “Peggy”, of Queens, New York, was called home to heaven on April 2, 2022. She was with her daughters as she transitioned to the Kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Born in St. Catherine Jamaica on March 3, 1948, to the late Archibald and late Alma Bell. Hyacinth received her formal education in St. Catherine. She bravely relocated to Canada in 1969 for more opportunities. She studied and earned her credentials in nursing. In 1978, she relocated to Queens, New York to raise her children and build a better life. She worked for Delta Airlines and Paris Maintenance at Chase Bank where she was loved deeply by co-workers and made many lifelong friends. Peggy was a woman of many talents and had an undeniably jovial spirit. She was known for cooking her authentic Jamaican cuisine to nourish the soul and body of countless friends and family members. Many can recall seeing her dancing to reggae music or catering to her plants. Hyacinth was extremely proud of her Jamaican roots and built a life-long legacy through love, resilience, and her faith with The Lord. Hyacinth served as a deaconess at the Alpha Missionary Baptist Church in Queens, New York. In 2011 she relocated to Georgia to be closer to family. As a woman deeply rooted in her faith; she quickly found a new church home and became a beloved member of The Living Word Baptist Church of Loganville. During her time in Georgia, she enjoyed attending services and serving God. In 2016 Peggy decided to move back to Mississauga, Ontario. In Canada, she found her most recent church home at Redemption Church International. She was loved by every church family and often affectionately known as the “Mother of the Church” due to her natural ability to comfort and provide guidance to those in need. Faith was very important to her, and she cultivated her relationship with the Lord regularly by remaining steadfast in the word each day. The strong faith she possessed proved to be a testament to her story. She was able to witness her son, Gary Johnson, being freed from prison after more than 24 years. Gary had been fully exonerated, able to declare his innocence, and highlight the egregious nature of a flawed justice system. She was dedicated to supporting Gary every single day during his wrongful incarceration. Remaining resilient and purpose-driven led to her biggest testimony. She was able to love on her beloved son outside of the prison walls and experience her dreams come to fruition shortly before she gained her wings. Hyacinth was deeply cherished and loved during her time on Earth. The legacy continues with her loved ones. She was a treasured mother and is survived by her four children. Carlene Brooks of Duluth, Georgia, Gary (Yaquisha) Johnson of (Beacon, New York), Robert Johnson of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and Robin (Dwight) Slatten of Grayson, Georgia. She is survived by her two brothers Evon Bell of Ontario, Canada, and Phillip Bell of New York. Beloved grandmother to ten; Sheldon (Chatoia) Johnson, of Owings Mills, MD, Alesia Di Leo of Canada, Kianna Brooks of Duluth, Georgia, Nevea Johnson of Toronto, Canada, Shalaya Johnson of Toronto, Canada, Isaiah, Zoey, Zina, Zora, and Zariah Slatten of Grayson, Georgia. Great-grandmother to Genesis Di Leo of Canada. She was also a mother figure to her deeply loved sons Bradley Dunston and Brian Dunston of Queens, New York. Hyacinth is remembered and loved by a host of family and loved ones across the world; including Jamaica, Canada, and New York. She will forever be missed and loved in this life and the next. The roots she planted will continue to flourish through her legacy and memories. A funeral service will be held 11:00 AM, Friday, April 15, 2022, at Living Word Baptist Church, Loganville, GA. The burial will follow at East Shadowlawn Memorial Gardens, Lawrenceville, GA. The family will receive friends 5:00 to 8:00 PM, Thursday, April 14, 2022 at Tim Stewart Funeral Home, 300 Simonton Road SW, Lawrenceville, Georgia 30046. 770-962-3100. Please sign the online guest registry at www.stewartfh.com