MAE BELL FERGUSON

Virginia Mae Bell (GRANNY BELL) Sims Ferguson went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 4, 2018. One day after her 95th birthday. She was born on December 3, 1923, in Blount County, Alabama. Bell is preceded in death by the love of her life for 49 years, Homer F. Ferguson; her parents, Anna Elizabeth and William Arthur Sims; 4 brothers; 2 sisters; and her daughter-in-love, Sandra Mixer Ferguson (Glenn). She is survived by her four children: Glenn Ferguson, Baton Rouge, LA; Carroll Rector (Johnny), Pleasant Grove, AL; Arlan Ferguson (Kate), Santa Maria, CA; & Delmer Ferguson (Debby), Saks, AL; 8 grandchildren and their spouses; and 16 1/2 great grandchildren; and sister Laura Blair. A longtime resident of Hueytown, AL, she was a member of Earnest Methodist Church, where she served in many positions during her tenure of service to its members. She met Homer while they both worked in the Mobile Shipyard in the early 1940's and they were married on June 26, 1943. Bell learned to crochet when her children were small and many years later it became a great passion. She taught many people how to crochet at her home and other venues. The last group, which she led for 15 years, giving it up 2 years ago, is the "Happy Stitchers" at the Hueytown Public Library. She was so talented in her crochet craft that she was a regular crochet craft contributor in the magazine "Drapes,, ETC" in the early 1980's. She designed afghans and other items for many people. She was most proud of the afghans she designed and named for her three grand daughters which were published in the magazine. Her five grandsons also received their own specially created afghans when they graduated from high school. She also made special baby booties, caps and blankets for each of her "great grands, too. Under Bell's leadership the "Happy Stitchers" have supported various special groups by crocheting tiny caps, booties and blankets for newborn babies; caps/hats for women going through cancer chemo treatment and baby blankets & booties for "Sav-A-Life". The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM, Monday, December 10, at Earnest Methodist Church. Pastor Marian New will officiate a memorial service at the church beginning at 2:00 PM. Interment will be immediately after the service in the church cemetery. The family wants to thank the entire staff at Self Health Care in Hueytown and Southern Care Hospice for their love and care during Bell's final months. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request donations be made to Earnest Methodist Church, 3417 Warrior River Road, Bessemer, AL 35023.