Erskine Lee Bell McReynolds

“To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heavens.” -Ecclesiastes 3:1 ERSKINE LEE BELL MCREYNOLDS was born January 25, 1937 in Pineapple Alabama, the first of eight children born to the late Mack Arvis and Mattie Montgomery Bell. Erskine was better known as "Eark" to her family and close friends. She accepted Christ at an early age and was an active member of Mt. Canaan Baptist Church in Pineapple, Alabama. Erskine received her early education in the Wilcox County Public Schools. She was a member of the Girls Basketball team and Majorette Squad. Erskine married Nathaniel McReynolds, seeking a better life for themselves, they moved to Chicago. Erskine and Nathaniel had seven children: Nathell, Joyce, Kenneth, Debra, Avis, Angela and Darren. Erskine worked at Veeco Manufacture, where she assembled hairdryers and salon furniture and served as the Union Stewart. Erskine was a faithful member and usher at Southside Tabernacle Church. She was a fantastic cook, an expert at baking cakes, sweet potato pies and homemade ice cream. She loved doing things with her hands, growing plants, making ceramics, and doing hair for family and friends. Her favorite color was purple. God was walking in His garden, one He made with His own hands. The sun was shining on each blossom, young and old throughout the land. In our midst, He walked still searching for a lovely full grown flower-He paused -here, He found one ready to be taken- Erskine answered the call on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at her home. She was preceded in death by her children Joyce McReynolds Williams and Darren McReynolds; her parents Mack Arvis and Mattie Bell, her granddaughters Niketa and Catherine McReynolds; two sisters: Norsia Bell McCants and Nickie Bell Beasley; two brothers: Johnny and James Bell. She was a loyal and loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She leaves to cherish her precious memories: her children Nathell Knott, Kenneth McReynolds and Debra McReynolds all from Chicago, IL; Avis Boyd of Atlanta, GA and Angela McReynolds Henry of Pensacola FL. Her siblings Catherine Bell McReynolds and Vera Bell Hatcher of Pensacola, FL and Curtis Bell of Pineapple, AL. Eight grandchildren, Fifteen great grandchildren, Six great great grandchildren. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, friends and neighbors. She also leaves her cherished cousin Yolanda James and special nephew Paul McReynolds. “Well done, good and faithful servant.”-Matthew 25:23

Erskine Lee Bell McReynolds

January 25, 1937 - June 17, 2025