IN FOND REMEMBRANCE Lena Walker Bell 1943 - 2023

LENA WALKER BELL , 79, of Hephzibah, Georgia departed this life suddenly after a brief illness on Sunday, May 21, 2023. A beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, auntie, cousin, and friend, she was born to the late Mark Walker and Ruby Johnson Walker in Sardis, Georgia on June 10, 1943—the youngest of six children.

Lena received her primary and junior high school education in Sardis, Georgia and began high school in Waynesboro before withdrawing to care for her ailing mother. Undeterred by a yearslong delay in her education, Lena later earned her GED and began working in the field of health services and nursing. She retired from her position as a licensed practical nurse at Gracewood State School and Hospital in 2007 after thirty years.

She married Lucius Gordon,

Sr., in 1962, and they welcomed four children into the world. In 1977, she married Mitchell Bell, and welcomed two more daughters. A dedicated worker throughout her life – whether in the cotton fields of Burke County or as a caregiver in the halls of Gracewood, Lena enjoyed winding down by reading, exploring on the computer and being in the company of her children. She also enjoyed volunteering with Cancer Support Services (formerly known as The Lydia Project) in Augusta.

Lena leaves to cherish her memory: six children, Lucius Gordon, Jr. (Candace) of Ogden, UT; Wycliffe Gordon (April) of Augusta, GA; Karen Gordon Thomas (Clarence) of Hephzibah, GA; Stephen Gordon of Santa Barbara, CA; Audrey Michelle Ali (Esaa) of Martinez, GA; and Tonya Bell of New York City; nineteen grandchildren, Ismael, Yusef, Attiyah, Celeste, Countess, LeBarron, Thomas, Cliff, Corey, Evan, Jaz, Cassandra, Daniel “Scooter”, Malcolm, Chris, Ryanne, Jamil, Jayden, Raheem; one great-grandson, Mason; one brother, Alvin Walker (Julia) of Fort Lauderdale, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters; Marie Roberts and Rosie Lee Jenkins; two brothers, Alfred Walker, Sr. and Curlie Walker; a beloved nephew that she was raised alongside, Leroy Mincey; and a host of other beloved family, friends and loved ones.

A celebration of life was held at on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at Broadway Baptist Church (2323 Barton Chapel Road, Augusta, GA) with Rev. Anthony Booker presiding and Rev. Alfred Walker officiating. Interment followed at Hillcrest Memorial Park. The family received family and friends the day before on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at Kinsey & Walton Funeral Home Chapel, 3618 Peach Orchard Road, Augusta, GA. (706) 790-8858.

Please consider making a donation to Cancer Support Services at www. cancersupportservices.org.

Augusta Black Restaurant Week • June 12 - 18, 2023

Augusta Black Restaurant Week (ABRW) is proud to announce its return in 2023 with exciting new partnerships. The 2023 event, #ABRW23, will take place from June 12-18, and will highlight some of the area’s black-owned eateries and chefs, while giving patrons an opportunity to partake in specialty or signature items.

New partnerships this year include Visit Augusta, Yelp!, Juneteenth, and Food Truck Family Friday. Visit Augusta, the official destination marketing organization for the Augusta area, will provide additional marketing support to help promote ABRW23 and attract visitors to the area. Yelp!, a popular restaurant review and discovery platform, will showcase participating restaurants and help patrons discover new black-owned eateries in the area.

Juneteenth, a holiday celebrating the emancipation of slaves in the United States, will be celebrated during ABRW23, and will feature special events and activities in partnership with local organizations. Finally, Food Truck Family Friday, a popular food truck event series in the Augusta area, will team up with ABRW23 to bring together some of the area’s best food trucks for a fun and casual food event.

In addition to these exciting new partnerships, ABRW23 will continue to feature prix fixe menu items, chef collaborations, and other activities designed to showcase the unique culinary talent of the area’s blackowned restaurants and chefs.

“We are thrilled to partner with Visit Augusta, Yelp!, Juneteenth, and Food Truck Family Friday for this year’s event,” said event coordinator, Olivia Pontoo. “Their support will help us to amplify our message and showcase the amazing culinary talent in our community. We can’t wait to share this year’s event with everyone.”

Participating restaurants and chefs, as well as a full schedule of events, will be announced closer to the event, so stay tuned for updates on the ABRW23 website and social media channels. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience some of the best food in the Augusta area, while supporting the local black-owned restaurant community.

For more information about Augusta Black Restaurant Week 2023, visit the event website at www.augustarestaurantweek.com.

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