Sandra Jeannette Bell

Humankind has often been described as flowers in God’s Garden. The Master Gardener, in His infinite wisdom, plucks each blossom according to His will. Some are gathered at birth, and others at various stages of life’s journey. On Saturday, September 13, 2025, the Master Gardener chose one of His rarest and most radiant blooms, Sandra Jeannette Bell, to add to His Heavenly bouquet. Sandra was a vision of beauty, elegance and grace—remarkable in every way. Like the flowers she so lovingly cultivated, and as an avid gardener herself, her life reflected the splendor of God’s creation. She embodied refinement, humility and a spirit of giving that touched all who knew her.

Born on September 21, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan, Sandra was the only child of the late Robert F. Johnson and Bernice Hamblin Johnson of Montgomery, Alabama. She was christened at Plymouth United Church of Christ in 1937, beginning a lifelong journey of faith. Sandra’s devotion to her church was steadfast. She taught Sunday School, nurturing children in their understanding of God’s Word. She was a member of the Koinians, a fellowship group that reflects deep Christian community.

Sandra attended Detroit Public Schools and graduated with honors from Southeastern High School. She continued her studies at the University of Michigan, earning her Bachelor of Arts in Education and Master of Arts in Education. Sandra was also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., initiated at Nu Chapter. She later joined the Detroit Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. Education was not only her passion but her legacy.

Sandra began her career in education as a teacher in the Detroit Public Schools from 1959 until 1967. In 1960, while teaching second grade at Van Dyke Elementary School, Sandra met a handsome and debonaire student teacher, named Alvin Bell, who was immediately enchanted by her beauty, intellect and grace. Three years later, on Valentine’s Day, Alvin proposed and Sandra joyfully accepted. She began planning a beautiful winter wedding. On December 22, 1962, surrounded by family, friends and the winter wonderland she so admired, Sandra and Alvin were united in marriage—a union that would last sixty-three years. Their marriage was marked by devotion, respect and countless cherished memories. Together, they traveled across Europe and the United States before beginning their family. In 1968, shortly after the birth of her first child, Sandra retired from teaching to become a full-time mother—a role she embraced wholeheartedly.

Sandra poured unlimited love and discipline into her three children, Leslie, Robert and Stacy. She was a constant presence at their schools, volunteering in the classroom and school library. Her influence extended beyond her own children to countless others whose lives she touched. Sandra’s greatest joys in life, however, were not only her children but also her grandchildren, Justin and Alex Giles. She delighted in showering them with gifts and joyfully spoiling them whenever she could. Sandra beamed with pride at their academic excellence and was especially gratified that they chose to attend her alma mater, the University of Michigan. It was the clearest sign that her legacy of love for education, excellence and achievement was firmly rooted in yet another generation.

Sandra also lived a life marked by generosity. A true philanthropist, she gave selflessly to countless causes and organizations. She was a patron of the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History in Washington D.C. and several more cultural institutions whose missions she cherished. Her philanthropy ensured that these treasured places remained vibrant and accessible for generations to come. Sandra also gave faithfully to churches, charities and efforts to help the hungry, always seeking to lift others up. Her quiet but steady generosity left a lasting imprint, touching lives near and far.

Sandra found joy in life’s simple, beautiful moments. She loved the tranquility of Lake St. Clair, where she would sit quietly and take in the peaceful rhythm of the water. Nature spoke deeply to her heart—whether it was marveling at the pristine snow resting on the trees, enjoying rides around Belle Isle while watching the boats or driving through various neighborhoods to admire the glow of Christmas lights. Christmastime, with its beauty and sense of peace, was one of her favorite seasons. Sandra’s deep connection to both people and nature made her a joy to be around. Sandra’s name means defender of man or protector of humanity and she lived up to it in every sense. She was confident yet humble, independent yet deeply connected to others, a natural leader who carried herself with harmony and grace. She exuded class, was effervescent in spirit and left everyone she met better for having known her.

Sandra leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband, Alvin Bell; three loving children, Leslie Bell, Robert Bell and Stacy (Joseph) Giles; her beloved grandchildren Justin and Alex Giles; a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.