Lessie Jewel (Bell) Dilda

Mrs. Lessie Jewel ( Bell ) Dilda, 91, of Frederick, died on Monday, December 18, 2006 at Frederick Memorial Hospital, and will be home with her Savior Jesus Christ for Christmas. She was the beloved wife of the late Lewis M. Dilda.

Born on May 23, 1915 in Putnam county, WV; she was a daughter of the late Emelus P. and Anna F. Bell.

Mrs. Dilda was a graduate of Hurrican High School. She was then employed in sales by Children's Activities Magazines for whom she, and her sister Nina, traveled the East Coast, at which time Lessie met her husband to be Lewis. After their marriage she was employed in food sales by the Board of Education for Prince Georges and Anne Arundel counties, until her retirement to Florida. After Lewis's death she moved back to West Virginia caring for both family and friends. In 1992 she moved to Frederick with her daughter and son-in-law and became a member of First Baptist Church of Frederick , where she continued to serve and touched many lives with her special devotion.

Surviving are one son, Lewis R. Dilda and wife Rita of Leesburg, VA, one daughter, Sandra Thompson and husband Robert; grandchildren, Rebecca Dilda, Rachael Martin and husband Gary, Rev. Gregory Thompson and wife Jennifer, Michael Thompson and wife Sarah; nine great-grandchildren; one sister, Threca Long of Ohio; cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her sisters, Emma Payne and Nina Briscoe, brothers Ezriah, Arvil, Ray, James and Hugh Bell.

Visitation: Family will receive friends at the Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, Md. on Wednesday, December 20, 2:00-6:00 p.m.

Services: Services will be held on Thursday, December 21, 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of District Heights, 7234 Lansdale St., District Heights, MD. with Mrs. Dilda's grandson, Rev. Gregory Thompson officiating. Interment in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Suitland, Md.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Frederick, 217 Dill Ave., Frederick, MD 21701.