Evelyn Bell was born on December 4, 1935 in Birmingham, Alabama to the union of Luke Thomas and Irean Richardson Thomas. She received Christ at an early age and was baptized in Alabama. Luke passed away when Evelyn was a very young child. Irean later remarried and raised Evelyn with George Mabry, a loving man and wonderful stepfather.

Evelyn’s education began in the Birmingham Public School System. Upon graduation, from Parker High School, she enrolled in Alabama A & M College. While there, Evelyn became a member of the Glee Club…traveling to and performing at various places as well as pledging and being accepted into the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

One summer, while on a trip to visit her older sister Eva Pruitt in Detroit, Evelyn met Delmas Bell. There was an instant connection. Soon after, Delmas and Evelyn began dating and continued their relationship long distance communicating through letters. A year passed and Evelyn decided to transfer to Wayne State University. They continued their courtship and fell deeply in love. Delmas and Evelyn were married and later two daughter were born…Renee Bell and Delphine Bell.

Evelyn’s professional career began when she was hired by the Detroit Board of Education as a First Grade Teacher. First, at Thomas Elementary School and then at Halley Elementary School. Over the years, she occasionally taught second grade as well. And, because of the love and devotion to her students and her career, Evelyn was honored with the prestigious Teacher of the Year Award.

Later, while Evelyn worked at Stewart Elementary School, she decided to challenge herself and pursue a Master’s Degree from the University of Detroit, Mercy. She enrolled in evening classed, studied hard, graduated and continued to teach until her retirement in the 1990’s.

Evelyn was a very kind and generous person. She showered her husband, daughters, family members and friends with love, laughter and gifts. She was an excellent cook, too. She hosted many gatherings; birthday celebrations, holiday meals and dinners as well.

Evelyn had many hobbies and interests. Growing up, she sewed most of her own clothing and was quite the fashion model. She would make clothes from the latest Haute Couture sewing patterns and accessorize them with rich colors and fabrics. Evelyn would always accessorize her wardrobe with beautiful jewelry, handbags and top it off with perfume. Later, when the girls came along, she made outfits for them as well. Evelyn loved pretty flowers. Whether it be potted plants or outdoor gardening, she had a green thumb. And, one of her other passions was displaying floral arrangements. Evelyn had created several beautiful floral designs throughout her home, many placed in inexpensive vases she purchased from vintage furniture stores and discounted designer shops. Her unique collection of beautiful floral elements were not only a reflection of her fashion flair but, part of her interior design style. She would mix different textiles, time periods, pieces of furniture, types of artwork…things that made the rooms of her home stand out (like different textures and colors) in such an opulent, vibrant yet understated way ultimately leading to compliments about her bold sense of taste and flair.

Evelyn loved to listen to music and dance at functions. Over the years, she enjoyed going to public performances such as the Theater, and Concerts. For entertainment at home, she preferred Action movies, mysteries, upbeat comedies, classic Westerns and Public Television programming. Evelyn enjoyed the Ballet and Dance Recitals and, the Piano and Organ Recitals her daughters performed in when they were younger. She also loved to listen to the performances of Charles and Gwen Scales at Church as well as participating in other activities and events there.

Detroit Unity Temple is where Evelyn attended church and her spiritual journey expanded. She was a dedicated, lifelong member and at one point an Usher. One of the most positive memories for many members and guests was to be greeted at Church by her and her beautiful smile.

Evelyn enjoyed traveling. During the summers, she and Delmas would grab the girls, their pets, friends or other relatives and drive all over the country and Canada. They would particularly spend time at their lakefront Cottage. A few years after Delmas’ passing, Evelyn joined several different travel groups and not only expanded her domestic travels but became a world traveler…visiting Italy, France, Australia, Africa, China and Brazil.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her Great-Grandparents, Grandparents, Parents, Stepfather, Sister, Niece, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, such as her close Cousin Bill Richardson. And, Mother-In-Law, Zinnie, her Siblings and their Families. But, no one more so than the greatest love of her life, Delmas Bell.

Evelyn’s memory will be cherished by those whose lives she touched:

Her loving daughters, Renee and Delphine; nephew, Darryl Pruitt; great-niece, Alicia Harlow; numerous cousins such as Rosetta Dial and Melissa El-Johnson; her late-husbands’ sisters and brothers and, cousins such as, the Elliott/Klein Families where she continued the role of “Aunt” and “Ceremonial Grandmother” (because she had no grandchildren of her own); former co-workers; church family and countless loving friends.

A Service for Mrs. Bell will be held on Tuesday, January 23rd, at 12:00 p.m. at Detroit Unity Temple, 17505 2nd Ave., Detroit, MI 48203.