Edward Norman Bell, Jr. - -

Edward “Norman” Bell, Jr. of Glenn Dale, MD was born on November 30, 1955, son of Edward Norman Bell, Sr. (deceased) and Elaine Boney Tillery Bell (deceased).  Born and raised in Washington, DC, Norman graduated from Mackin High School in 1973, although everyone in the neighborhood thought he attended Cardozo High School since he spent more time at Cardozo than at Mackin. He also attended Howard University.

As a teen, Norman was an avid athlete and enjoyed playing basketball. He and Tyrone Greene, his life-long best friend, often played bid whist and were fierce competitors on the pool table. Their 50+ year friendship withstood the test of time as Tyrone spent many hours at Norman’s bedside during his final days.  

On September 22, 1984, Norman married the love of his life, Karen Rene Lane, his wife of 34 years.  Their union resulted in two sons, Marcus Edward and Brandon Norman Bell.  Norman was so very proud to be a dad.   He was a loving father and truly enjoyed having fun with his sons.  He played “nerf” basketball with them when they were toddlers, taught them how to play video games and attended their high school basketball games. He also guided them through life’s challenges to ensure they stayed on track. Norman had a 25-year career at Giant Food, where he held a variety of management positions, most notably as a Deli Manager.  He retired from Giant in 2014.

Norman had a wonderful zest for life, an uplifting spirit, was the king of corny jokes and could always make people laugh. He had a passion for the outdoors, enjoyed spending time with family and friends (especially in his backyard) and loved billiards, bowling and playing cards. He was a die-hard Redskins fan and when asked what would happen if his young sons were not Redskins fans, he politely replied, “They will have to move.”

He is survived by his wife Karen; his two sons, Marcus and Brandon; his sister, Karen "Kay" Casey; his brother, Herbert R. Tillery, Jr. (Paris); and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.  His gentle soul and smiling face will truly be missed.