Lula Bell Alford

Sister Lula Bell Alford was born to the late William and Clara Russell on May 12, 1930 in Sunnyside, Mississippi located in the Mississippi Delta.

In her early years, the family migrated to Bonita, Mississippi and later settled in Meridian, Mississippi. She was the youngest girl of twelve children. Lula Bell attended Oakgrove Elementary and later attended Wechsler High School located in Meridian, Mississippi.

She accepted Jesus Christ at an early age, being baptized at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Sowashee Creek located in Meridian, Mississippi.

In 1949, Lula Bell married Louis C. Taylor Sr., and to this union they were blessed with nine children. The family moved from Meridian, Mississippi to Cincinnati, Ohio in 1956 to pursue a better life. Louis C. Taylor, Sr. worked until his health failed him. He went home to be with the Lord in 1962. Lula Bell had been a homemaker for many years and then decided it was time to venture out into the work force. God opened up a door and she started working at Bethesda Hospital. The family joined church at Progressive Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. J. H. Sharp in 1965. Sister Lula Bell used her God gifted talent to sing in the Pastor's Choir and her favorite song was "This Little Light of Mine". All of her children were active in church.

In 1966, Lula Bell Taylor married Curtis Alford. From this union they were blessed with two children.

The family followed the leadership of her husband and later moved their membership to First Baptist Church of North College Hill under the leadership of the late Rev. Edward Jones. After twenty-four years of marriage, the Lord called Curtis Alford home in 1990.

Sister Lula Bell told everyone she came in contact with about her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Her mission was to make phone calls and visit the sick in nursing homes as well as hospitals. Her desire was to increase the Kingdom of God. She remained an active and faithful member under the leadership of Pastor Charles King. Up until her last hour, she was telling people about Jesus Christ who was the author and finisher of her faith. It was her desire to make sure everyone would accept and come to know Jesus Christ for themselves.

Lula Bell Alford's life reflects the following phrase,
"I was made to praise You, I was made to glorify Your name in every circumstance, to find a chance to thank You. I was made to love You, I was made to worship at Your feet and to obey You Lord. I was made for You".

Her husbands, Louis C. Taylor Sr. and Curtis Alford; son Tommy Lee Taylor, daughter Sheron L. Alford; siblings, Dessie Russell McGrew, Roseanna Russell, Elossie Esckridge, Lenzer Russell, John S. Russell, Obediah Russell, Hezekiah Russell, Abraham Russell, Willie Lee Russell, Joe Lee Russell preceded her in death.
She leaves to cherish her memories: Her beloved sister, Octavia Hayes of Meridian, MS, Rev. James E. Taylor (Kathy), Louis C. Taylor, Jr. (Sharon), Willie F. Taylor (Michelle) of Houston, TX, Freddie L. Taylor, Ervin T. Alford, Annie Mae Martin (James), Mary Louise Phillips (Marion), Jacqueline Jackson (Eric), Lorraine Weems (Mickey) of Cincinnati, OH; 21 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren, 12 great-great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law, special friends, Ms. Silvia, Ms. Okie, Mr. & Mrs. Stallworth, Ms. Wallace, Ms. Bernice, her son in the ministry, Rev. Rhodes and many others.