Michael was born January 22, 1955, in Newark NJ to Forrest Atwood
Bell and Carol Collins Bell. Raised in Washington DC, Michael
graduated from Gonzaga High School in 1973 and attended California
State University at Long Beach. While there, he was a member of FBLA
(Future Business Leaders of America) and NBLA (National Business
Leaders of America). In 1977, after receiving a BS in Business
Administration, Michael started working for the US Department of
Transportation in Albuquerque, New Mexico as a bank auditor.
At age 16, Michael started homing his accounting skills by doing his
father's taxes. Once his father told his co-workers, Michael gained
many tax clients and started Atwood Associates. It continued as
Michael grew his financial consultant business. This includes several
years of working as an AARP tax preparer.
Michael was a devoted family man. He was known to attend all the
graduations and important events. Not only did he love all his family,
it's no denying that he loved his mother. All who knew Michael knew
how lovingly he cared for his mother. Throughout his life, Michael had
many stories about his interactions with various family members,
which he recounted with such humor! He loved to laugh. He loved
sports. Michael loved to eat! There was an occasion in Florida where
he and his cousin Jac were at a breakfast 'all you can eat'
smorgasbord. Michael ate through their breakfast, waited through their
change to the lunch setup, and continued eating through their lunch
as well. All for that one 'all you can eat' price!
Throughout his life, Michael expressed his love for God,
acknowledged Christ as Lord and Savior, and on various occasions,
attended New Dawn Baptist Church with his mother.
After a lengthy illness, our beloved Michael entered his eternal rest on
Tuesday, August 1, 2023. Among those who are left to cherish his
memory is his sister, Sondra Bell Mathews, his Godson, James
Lindsey, his Goddaughter, Zakiya Hutchinson, along with his best
friend, Fred Hutchinson, and a host of cousins, friends, and
neighbors.

I'm Free
Don't grieve for me, for I am free.
I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard Him call,
I turned my back and left I all.
I could not stay another day.
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
I found that peace at the close of day.
If my parting has left a void;
Then fill it with remembered joy;
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah, yes; these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow;
My life's been full, I savored much,
The blessings of a loved one's touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief;
Lift up your heart and share with me,
God wanted me now – HE SET ME FREE!