Mary Elizabeth (Bell) Jackson

Mary Elizabeth "Libo" Bell Jackson graced the world with her presence on May 3, 1957, in the charming  City of Enterprise, Alabama, born to the late Alto Wallace Bell and Mary Geneva Farrior Bell.

She pursued her education within the esteemed Enterprise City Schools, culminating in her graduation from Enterprise High School in 1975. Throughout her high school tenure, she distinguished herself as a remarkable track star and engaged actively in various civic organizations. She furthered her academic journey at the prestigious Enterprise State Junior College.

She was nurtured in a warm and loving household, growing up in Johns Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, where her faith was firmly rooted. Affectionately referred to as "Libo," she possessed a stunning and resonant singing voice, serving as the lead vocalist in the church choir. Her melodious tones would resonate deeply with the congregation, evoking shouts of joy and tears of emotion throughout the sanctuary. At the tender age of 16, she sung at her sister's wedding, and many asked if she was a professional singer. Her voice was not only pure and elegant but also had the remarkable ability to elevate any song to extraordinary heights.

Libo devoted over 25 years of her career to the Federal Bureau of Prisons before her retirement in May 2014. During her time in Ashland, Kentucky, she was a member of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #3 and AFGE Local 1286. Renowned for her generous nature and passion for cooking, Libo delighted herself in preparing meals for others. In Ashland, she established a catering business to benefit her community, sharing her culinary talents and gifts of uniting people through the joy of cooking. While residing in Ashland, she was a member of The Summit Church of the Nazarene.

Following her retirement, she resided in Ashland until 2021, at which point she made her way back to her cherished hometown of Enterprise. In this welcoming place, she pursued her love for cooking by preparing meals for the dedicated staff and patients of DaVita Dialysis. Upon her return, she reconnected with her church family at Johns Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church and was a member of the Women’s Missionary Society. Additionally, she treasured the camaraderie of her sisters in the Semper Fidelis Club.

Libo was a nurturing and dedicated mother to Tiffany Smith, as well as a proud and devoted grandmother to Kanae and Rickey (Buddy). Her love for her family was profound, and she was particularly protective of her siblings, cherishing them dearly.

Predeceasing Mary in the realm beyond are her beloved parents: Geneva and Alto Bell; her cherished sister - Florence Bell Sconiers; her dear brother - Gary Wallace Bell; and her beloved niece - Lauretta Griffin.

She leaves a tapestry of memories with her beloved daughter - Tiffany (Rickey) Smith of Cleveland, Ohio; her cherished granddaughter - Kanae Jackson of Louisville, Kentucky; and her adored grandson - Rickey Smith of Cleveland, Ohio. Additionally, she leaves behind her dear siblings: Paula Griffin from Fayetteville, North Carolina; Kathryn (Joe) Mitchell residing in Tampa, Florida; Bobby (Alicia) Bell of Fayetteville, North Carolina; Allie (Retired Presiding Elder David) Reddick of Enterprise, Alabama; Altoria Ross and Debra Bell of Jacksonville, Florida; along with her treasured nieces and nephews: Bobby Griffin, Stephanie Davis, Joseph Mitchell, III, Renee Wilson, Dr. Geneva D. Bell, Yvonne Bell, Angela Bell, Chasity Evans, and Joshua Ross. Her goddaughter - Courtney Fluellen of Dothan, Alabama, also her two loving bonus sons: J.L. Rich and Jeffery Larson - along with a multitude of other relatives and friends who held her in deep affection and admiration.

Libo's existence stood as a shining example of faith, service, love, and generosity. Her enduring legacy of kindness, resilience, and unwavering commitment to family and her community will be eternally honored and treasured.

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