Vella Mae (Bell) Woods Ezekiel was born on May 7, 1934, in rural Lauderdale County. She was the fourth child (second daughter) of 13 children. She was a spunky, sweet, and happy girl who loved going on adventures with her siblings. Bell met her first love, Fred Wesson. They married in Iuka, Mississippi before they turned 20 years old. They had four children together. Later in life, she married Brooks (LB) Ezekiel. Bell worked at Central Heights apparel in the pressing department and later became a caregiver for many family and friends. This was a ministry avenue that she excelled at. She was a member of Canaan Methodist Church and sang in the choir when she was able.
In addition to her four children, she had six grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grands. She adored them all and made so many memories with them that they can cherish.
Bell’s parents instilled in her a great love of gardening, which they did out of necessity to feed the huge family. She learned the art of canning, cooking, and preserving fruits and vegetables. She was a wonderful cook and loved sharing her food with others. If someone was sick, she would “whip up” a batch of her famous chicken and dumplings, a pot of stew, or a delicious Southern meal for them to eat.
Bell’s faith was of the upmost importance. She read her Bible daily, as well as Sunday School lessons and devotional books. She would spend a portion of her day in prayer and worship, often singing hymns, quite loudly, throughout the day. She enjoyed joking and laughing but she also oozed love and kindness. She never met a stranger and made the best of every situation she found herself in. She had a magnetic personality that made everyone feel loved and welcomed.
You would be hard-pressed to find anyone who could speak an ill-word about her. Her goodness has been an inspiration for others and a clear testament to her love for God. She loves a sweet legacy of love for all to follow.
Bell was preceded in death by her husband, L.B. Ezekiel; parents, Dalton and Verta (White) Woods; daughter, Deona Gregg; son, Roger Wesson; grand-daughters, Salena Liles and Shalanda Wesson; brothers, Duel Woods, Berlin Woods, Reece Woods, Jerrold Woods; sisters, Wynoka Irons, Louise Smith, Lind Rinehart, Margaret Hemric.
She is survived by her daughters, Carol McCreless (James) of Tuscumbia, Jan Atkinson (James) of Cherokee; brothers, Dalton Woods Jr. (Barb) of Florence; sisters. Laura Bowers of Florence, Sylvia Steinhauser (Paul) of Michigan, Cathy Olivio (Angelo) 0f Michigan; grandchildren, Belinda Liles of Florence, Chris McCreless (Whitney) of Florence, Justin McCreless (Jessica) of Florence, Jalee McDonald (Caleb) of Huntsville; great-grandchildren, Chance Borden (Christan) of Florence, Aubrey McFall of Florence, Aliee Doss of Florence, Abbie McCreless, Bryant McCreless, Braxton Hall, Charlee Beth McCreless, Sadie McCreless, Jax McCreless, Rhett McCreless, Carter Vella McDonald, and Brooks McDonald; great-great grandchildren. Rylan Borden, and Bexley Borden. As well as a very special niece and best friend, Dorothy Ezekiel; a host of nieces and nephews, and a bazillion friends.
Pallbearers will be Chris McCreless, Justin McCreless, Chance Borden, Caleb McDonald, Bryant McCreless, Braxton Hall, Steve Hemric, and Gary Irons.
The family would like to express special thanks to Dr. Aaron Karr, Shoals Primary Staff, friends at Canaan Church, Mitchell-Hollingsworth Rehab staff, Centerwell Home Health, and Alabama Hospice of the Shoals.
