The City of Decatur approved naming the new pavilion at Louida “Big Mama” Willis Park in Mike Bell’s memory. Bell, who passed away in April, was pictured speaking at the annual Juneteenth celebration at the park in 2024. FILE | WCMESSENGER
A new pavilion set to be installed at Louida “Big Mama” Willis Park in Decatur will be named in memory of Mike Bell, a community advocate who died earlier this year.
The Decatur City Council unanimously approved naming the Mike Bell Memorial Pavilion at its meeting Monday.
Bell, who grew up during the civil rights movement and graduated from Decatur High School after the district integrated, died April 21.
He was 74.
Bell served as president of East Side Alumni and organized the Wise County Community Coalition, a group that elevated the voice of the Black community in Wise County through annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth celebrations in Decatur.
Louida “Big Mama” Willis Park. AUSTIN JACKSON | WCMESSENGER
Work is underway to install the Mike Bell Memorial Pavilion at Louida “Big Mama” Willis Park. AUSTIN JACKSON | WCMESSENGER
“We’re all very familiar with Mike Bell — he was a community champion and just a good man,” City Manager Nate Mara said during the council meeting.
Bell reestablished St John Baptist Church in Decatur, where he served as a trustee. He spent most of his career as a supervisor at EMC Plastics in Denton, later working in the food industry following his retirement.
The pavilion project is being funded through a $60,000 grant from the Crystelle Waggoner Charitable Trust.
The project is expected to be completed before August and will include signage featuring a photo of Bell. The new pavilion joins recent upgrades to Louida “Big Mama” Willis Park, including a new basketball court, with additional improvements planned. Decatur Parks Superintendent Heath Taylor said the city plans to add parking and possibly irrigation after the pavilion project is completed.
Digital mockup of the banner signage for the Mike Bell Memorial Pavilion. COURTESY | CITY OF DECATUR
“I don’t think [the pavilion] could be named after a finer man, and it’s an honor to make this proposal tonight,” said Mayor Pro Tem Melinda Reeves.
This year’s upcoming Juneteenth Celebration will feature a balloon release in Bell’s memory. The Freedom Day celebration begins with a parade around Downtown Decatur 10 a.m. June 21, followed by a party at the Big Mama Louida Willis Park from 2-7:30 p.m.
Loading Comments