Ella Bell Lane

Our beloved grandmother, Ella Bell Alexander Lane, was born July 4, 1937, to the union of L.D. Alexander and Ora Lee Alexander in Tunica, Mississippi. She grew up in Clarksdale, Mississippi and moved to Chicago, Illinois in her mid 20s. Mrs. Ella Bell Lane was a proud graduate of W. A. Higgins High School. In 1974, she moved to Lansing, Michigan and pursued her career as an executive assistant for music recording companies meeting several famous blues artists.

While living in Chicago with her sisters Freddie and Callie, Mrs. Lane met her husband Curly Lane in the 1970s. During their years together, they traveled back and forth to visit her hometown of Clarksdale. On her birthday, which fell on the Fourth of July, her family held reunions in Mississippi to gather and share stories of moments past. Mrs. Lane loved traveling across the country and even visited Mexico during her summer vacations. She was loved knitting and making family quilts, gardening , cooking and sharing precious moments with her grandchildren.

She truly lived her life according to Hebrews 13:16 and put her family and loved ones first.

"And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."

Mrs. Lane’s pride was in her school and students, and she shared her passion for learning with thousands of children over the years. Mrs. Lane was known in the community as a mentor to many of her students, providing transportation to school and helping their parents at times of need. She retired from the Lansing Public Schools after spending over 30 years as an educator.

Our beloved Mrs. Ella Bell Lane was returned to her heavenly home on Saturday, March 27,2021, at the Dimondale Nursing Home in Dimondale, Michigan after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. Her devotion to her family and faith in God gave her strength in dealing with her illness and ultimately gave her peace. She was surrounded by her grandchildren Jabriel, Kim, John and her niece Alexanderia upon her passing. Mrs. Lane was preceded in death by her two children John Frank Alexander Sr. and Sheron Alexander Thompson, father L.D. Alexander, mother Ora Lee Alexander,, sisters Freddie Smith and Naomi Baker, grandchildren Robert Matthews and Michelle Matthews.

As the matriarch of her family, memories of our loving Ella Bell Lane will forever be in the hearts of her family. She is survived by her seven grandchildren: John Jr., Kimberly Denise Alexander, Jacques McCollum, Aisha McCollum, Rafeal McCollum, Jamal McCollum, and Jibrial McCollum; 19 great grandchildren, sisters, Maggie Bonds and Callie Alexander; best friend, Betty Nelson, and host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.