Belinda Sheridan Bell, affectionately known as "Kandy," was born on July 26, 1959, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to the late Nathaniel and Helen Bell.

Kandy was the eldest of five siblings. When her mother passed away at an early age, she took on a caregiver role for her siblings, which continued throughout her entire life. She cared for each of her siblings, as well as various friends and family members, unselfishly serving as a maternal figure. This later shaped her into the matriarch of the family.

Kandy graduated from Woodward High School in 1976. She was part of the Class of 1977 but officially graduated early. While in high school, she was very active in sports. She played volleyball and ran track and field, earning the state champion title. In 1976, Kandy gave birth to her oldest son with her high school sweetheart, Michael Kirkland Sr. They soon wed and went on to have two more children, born in 1981 and 1984.

She attended and graduated from Larry Moore Beauty College, leading to a successful career cutting and styling both women's and men's hair. She was also the family's hairstylist and would not let anyone walk past her with fuzzy hair. Kandy later obtained her Bachelor's degree and went on to serve as a teacher at Parham Elementary and as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Deaconess Hospital. She was working toward obtaining her Master's degree from American Intercontinental University, with a tentative graduation date of Summer 2026. Even during health tribulations, she maintained over a 3.0 GPA.

Kandy loved to cook; preparing large amounts of delicious food was her specialty. She loved to entertain and host her family. She loved all sports, there was always a football, basketball, or baseball game broadcast on her TV. She was a huge Bengals fan… "Who Dey!" She was amazing with math, loved science, and was a proud, self-proclaimed "geek." Kandy loved to dance and was typically the life of any party.

Later in life, she was blessed to find her forever love, Darrell Lenoir; they wed in August 2002. They traveled together regularly, trying new foods in different cities, this was their thing. Through this union, she gained three bonus children, whom she shared a special bond with. Together, they celebrated 23 years of marriage.

Kandy confessed her life to Christ early and remained an active Christian her entire life. Praying and speaking life into others were among her most dominant traits. Kandy was an active member of World Outreach Christian Church in Cincinnati, Ohio, under the leadership of Pastor Gregory Chandler Sr. Throughout the years, she was a passionate praise dancer and a member of the sign language ministry. While living in Florida, she became a member of Frontier Church in Leesburg, Florida, under the leadership of Bishop Steven Yates, where she served in a ministry cutting hair for those in need.

Kandy's love language was acts of service. She was very active in the PTA throughout all of her children's schooling. She was also skilled at sewing, making uniforms, wedding dresses, costumes, and everyday clothing and crafts. Kandy never missed any event her children had, including driving out of state to their colleges to show love and, of course, be the loudest supporter in the room.

Kandy became a grandmother in 1998. She loved all of her grandchildren equally but dedicated nearly 15 years to raising Uriah, Azariah, and Izayiah full-time. She was very active with their sports teams, coaching and volunteering as "team mom." Her grandchildren proudly called her Nana. Kandy recently left this message to her grandchildren: "I want you to believe deep in your heart that you're capable of achieving anything you put your mind to. You will never lose. You either win or learn. Just go forth and aim for the skies. I can't promise to be here for the rest of your life, but I can promise to love you for the rest of mine."

She was preceded in death by her husband, Darrell Lenoir; her father, Nathaniel Bell; her mother, Helen Bell; her sister, Nadine "Kitty" Bell; her cousin, Marcy Hayes; her nephew, Deontae Bell; her uncle, Clarence E. Stephens Sr.; her cousin, Clarence Stephens Jr.; her cousin, Mitchell Stephens; her childhood friend, Patricia Hill; her best friend, Robin Jackson; along with other relatives too numerous to list.

Kandy departed this life on February 9, 2026, in Leesburg, Florida. She leaves to cherish her memory: her three children, Michael Kirkland Jr., Nathaniel Bell-Kirkland, and Marquita Holland (Lance); her sisters, Selina Austin, Arvella Washington, and Karen Bell; step- mother Gloria Bell, her step-siblings, Brian Burress and Angela McCoy; her bonus children, Yvonne McFarland (Aaron), Teneka Lenoir, Justin Lenoir (Samantha), and Jennifer Lenoir; nineteen grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; abundance of nieces and nephews; her God-children, Eboni Jackson, Natola Houston, and Nathaniel Houston II; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 4:00 pm until 5:00 pm, on  Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the Walker Funeral Home - Walnut Hills Chapel, 2625 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati  (45206).   The Homegoing Celebration will immediately follow the visitation,  beginning at 5:00 pm. Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another's company, and honor the legacy she leaves behind.

Repast at 6:30 p.m. at D&Q Events, 7607 Hamilton Ave. (Parking in rear of building) 45231.

She will be laid to rest at 9:00 a.m., Friday, February 20, 2026, at Dayton National Cemetery, 4400 West Third Street, Dayton, Ohio 45428.

We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with the Bell family. Please click the "Tribute Wall" icon above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home and Crematory  is caring for the Bell family during this difficult time.  Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.