[1927 ~ 2023]
(daughter of Joel and Josephine Bell, descendant of John Tyler Bell)

On December 1, 2023, Mabel Bell Gilliam left to be with the Lord. The last living link to a bygone era of self-sufficient farms on land purchased by a former slave, Mabel Ann Bell Gilliam lived the longest to tell the story and pass on inspiration to the next generation. The last of 61 grandchildren of John Tyler and Ellen Bell, she bore in her body and memory the saga of segregation, survival, and triumph over oppression below the Mason-Dixon line. She leaves to cherish her memories, her children; Dietrich Brown (Leonard), Denise Henderson, and Saundra Townes (Donald); three grandchildren, Dameon Haskins (Cathy), Amira Brown-Ridgle (Alvin), and Deneal Haskins (Aixa); eleven great grandchildren, Turhan Brown (Jada), Andrea Brown (Tri), Mia, DeSean, Meiki, Unique, Isaiah, Bashirah, Dylon, Menelik, and Deneal, Jr.; one great-great grandchild, Elijah; a loving extended family of nieces, nephews, one sister-in-law, and a host of other beloved family and friends. 

The full obituary can be read here.