Biography: Olivia Janice Bell was born on November 20, 1935 to Mary Wilson and Sidney Bell at Harlem Hospital. Olivia was raised with her stepfather Joseph Wilson Sr. and was a happy young child. She attended elementary school P.S. 90, P.S. 136 and graduated from Central Commercial High School in New York City.

Olivia met Phillip Gandy and had two beautiful daughters born to this union: Verna and Phyllis Bell whom were loved and raised by their three uncles. Phillip Gandy passed away in February 1965.

Olivia began working at the New York State Department of Disability and Health, for thirty-six years until she retired in 2005.
Olivia loved charities. She gave to Humane Society, St. Jude’s Hospital and a host of others. Oliva loved to worship and visit Canaan Baptist Church for the word and fellowship. They had become family to her. She loved the Lord. Olivia was also an avid reader. Olivia is preceded in death by her five brothers: Sidney Bell, Ensley Bell, Stanley Bell, Joseph B. Wilson and George Wilson and her godson Ronald Harris.

Olivia leaves to cherish her memory: two daughters: Phyllis Ray and Verna Parker; grandsons: Richard Bell, Christopher Parker, Alexander Parker; great-grandson Elijah Parker, Christopher Parker Jr., Carmello Bell; great-granddaughter, Madison; loving nieces and nephews, cousins and her goddaughter, Karen Harris.