Markeshia Ricks Photo
Colleagues congratulate Shiela Allen Bell at her HANH retirement party (above and in photo below).
Sheila Faith Allen Bell was born on August 8, 1950 in Little Rock, Arkansas to the late Frank Allen and Flora Stringer Allen. She was the third of four children. Later on, the family moved to Charlotte, N.C., which became her beloved hometown.
Sheila graduated from West Charlotte Senior High School In 1968 and attended North Carolina Central University and pursued a career in nursing.
Following her older sister, Marsha, Sheila relocated to New Haven, where she remained until her death. Sheila served New Haven well in many capacities, including as alder of the 2nd Ward.
Sheila completed her Bachelors Degree at New Hampshire College and received her Masters Degree in Public Health from Southern Connecticut State University. Sheila practiced as a Registered Nurse in psychiatry through the VNA and served as Unit Chief at Greater Bridgeport Mental Health Center until transitioning to a career in Medicaid Managed Care working for Physician Health Services and serving on the State of Connecticut’s Medicaid Managed Care Council.
Sheila was appointed by Mayor John DeStefano, Jr. to serve as the City’s Community Services Administrator. In this role, Sheila revamped the city’s early childhood programs, oversaw homeless services, governed elderly services and much more. She left city government to serve as the Assistant Executive Director of Elm City Communities/Housing Authority of the City of New Haven where she served until her retirement. At ECC/HANH, Sheila built the Community and Economic Development Department providing direction to all resident services programs.
Sheila’s long and rewarding career demonstrated her commitment to serving our most vulnerable and marginalized populations and she did so in ways that conveyed respect, dignity and worth to every individual.
She devoted her time to service on many boards and commissions. Her most recent service included the Board of Directors for the Cornell Scott Hill Health Center, Elm Shakespeare, Liberty Community Services, the Boys and Girls Club of New Haven and Hemingway Cove Condominium Association.
Having given her life to Christ, she was a faithful Christian whose works reflect her beliefs. She was an active member of East End Baptist Church in Bridgeport. She previously had served in the vineyards at Varick AMEZ Church and Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church in New Haven, CT.
Sheila was a proud member of the Theta Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. where she served as chair of several committees.
Sheila was known for her Southern Hospitality, engaging personality, infectious laugh and loving nature. Her giving spirit and fun-loving personality drew everyone to her and she made each one feel special in her life. She was a mentor, guide, support and caretaker for many. She was a great friend who created family and community wherever she was.
Sheila leaves to mourn her son, Allen Bell of Las Vegas, Nevada, two loving nephews, George Allen, Jr. (Jessica) and Duane Allen (Tisha), a beloved grand nephew, Jelani Malik Allen, Marquis Holloway, a host of cousins, Sorors, special friends and loved ones who will miss her dearly. She was predeceased by her parents and her siblings George Allen, Sr., Marsha Allen Best and John Kelsey Allen.
