Carnell Thompson was born on March 18, 1950 in East St. Louis, IL to James Lloyd and Ruth Mae Bell. She was the fifth of ten children born to this union. She was raised on Goose Hill and educated in East St. Louis School District #189. She confessed a hope in Christ at an early age at North End M.B. Church.

As an adult, Carnell's love for people led her into a career as a caregiver. She worked at many facilities giving her all to ensure clients received the best of care. Carnell was a loving and supportive mother of 5 children. Elmer, Alesia, Everette, Jermaine, and Marcus who were the highlight of her life.

Carnell loved to socialize with family and friends, shop and watch scary movies. She found her greatest joy spending time with family and friends. She loved cooking and would often invite her children over for dinner. She loved to dress and was very fashionable - a memory that will not be forgotten. She never left home of even sat at home without getting all dolled up.

Carnell, although petite in stature and soft-spoken, was a very strong woman. Her strength was more revealed as her health began to fail. She fought a good fight and gave her all until the very end. In her last days, she would still give a smile, say something to make others laugh and ask about family and friends she had not seen.

Carnell peacefully transitioned on Saturday evening, November 16, 2024, at the home of her daughter, Alesia. She was surrounded by her children, family members and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Ruth Bell; beloved sons, Elmer Ray Benton, Jr. and Jermaine Benton, Sr.; siblings, Robert Bell and Bessie Bell.

Carnell leaves to cherish her memories, one daughter, Alesia (Beryl) Benton-Shegog, of Cahokia, IL; two sons, Everette (Tasha) Benton of Blackjack, MO; Marcus (Vanity) Thompson of Belleville, IL; thirteen grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren; three brothers, Herbert Bell of East Saint Louis, IL; Charles Bell of Saint Louis, MO, and Frank (Tijuana) Bell, of Shiloh IL, and 4 sisters, Dessie (Charles) Blair of Fairview Heights, IL, Charlena Lewis of East Saint Louis, IL, Linda Bell of O'Fallon, IL, and Marvel Bell of Fairview Heights, IL; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.