Carolyn Marie Hilton Bell was born January 18, 1954, to Warren James Hilton Sr. and Doris Adell Hilton.  She was educated in the Newport News School System and graduated in the inaugural class of 1972 from Menchville High School.  She continued her education at the University of Virginia where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Master of Science degree.

At University of Virginia, she was instrumental in founding and being a dedicated Musician/Director of the Black Voices Gospel Ensemble.  Also, while at University of Virginia she pledged her beloved Pink and Green. She was pledged as a member of the charter line of sisters of the Theta Kappa Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Carolyn Hilton Bell was a long-standing member of Zion Baptist where she began her church Music Career. As a talented musician, she played the organ and/or piano and directed for various church choirs every Sunday throughout her adult life until her health would no longer allow.  She also played for the McDaniel Singers on every occasion as coordinator and director/pianist.

Her professional career started out in Richmond, Virginia as an EEO Counselor for the State of Virgina and subsequently was employed in Johnstown, Pennsylvania as a HR Coordinator. She ended her career back in Richmond, VA as an Equal Opportunity Coordinator for the State of Virginia.

Carolyn was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1987 and lived with determination with the full knowledge that a cure would be found. She continued to live as a strong, determined, and ferociously independent woman. Her greatest asset and gift dispute her physical challenges was that she continued to be a loving, giving, and supportive individual. Her driving force was to try to make people happy and to make them know that they mattered, especially her family. In whatever way she was capable (big or small) she always seemed to accomplish her mission.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, Andre Christian and second husband, Harry Bell.

She leaves to cherish her memory: sister Rev Brenda Hilton Austin, brothers Warren Hilton Jr., and Donald W. Hilton.  She also leaves nephews Gary Austin (Felecia) and Genard Austin (Tanika), Alex Hilton and Aaron Hilton of Gaithersburg MD. and her only beloved Niece (Bonus Daughter) Rev Kendra Townes (Kevin). She cherished her great Nieces and Nephew: Kaela Townes, Leah and Laila Pennington, Gary Austin Jr. and Genea Austin.

Viewing will be held from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Friday, February 23, 2024 at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel, 1601-27th Street, Newport News,Va. A Celebration of Life service will be held 12 Noon Saturday, February 24, 2024 at Zion Baptist Church,  Newport News, VA.