Sarah Ann Makin Bell

Sarah Ann Makin Bell, 82, entered eternal rest on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at AnMed Medical Center in Anderson, SC. She was born on October 25, 1942, in the rural town of Donalds, SC, to the late Dave and Sarah Fortune Makin. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 58 years, Samuel Bell.

Sarah’s life was a testament to resilience, faith, and service. From her humble beginnings, she rose to become a pillar of strength and inspiration for her family, church, and community. She was a lifelong member of Mount Lebanon AME Church, where she served faithfully on the Trustee Board, Steward Board, Senior Choir, Lay Organization, Pastor’s Aide Board, Willing Workers, and her cherished Women’s Missionary Society (WMS). As a distinguished member of the Piedmont Conference Women’s Missionary Society, Sarah’s dedication was unmatched. She faithfully served in her local society at Mount Lebanon AME Church, where she led as President of the Beatrice Jackson WMS for eight years. In 1995, she proudly represented the WMS as a delegate to the 13th WMS Quadrennial Convention in Detroit, Michigan. She also served as the Greenville Area WMS Chairperson for eight years and the Piedmont Conference PME Director for another eight years. In 2012, her remarkable contributions were recognized with the honor of being named a Life Member of the Piedmont Conference WMS. Her unwavering commitment to the mission of the WMS remains a legacy that continues to inspire.

Sarah was also an esteemed member of the Order of Eastern Star (OES). She served as Secretary of the Queen of Abbeville Chapter #236 from 1970–1974 and as Associate Matron from 1982–1987. She embraced the core values of the OES which are Honesty, Dependability, Trustworthiness, Loyalty, and Kindness, and exemplified them in her daily life.

Sarah’s passion for education and empowerment was evident throughout her life. After completing high school, she pursued a degree in education at Voorhees College before transitioning to Denmark Technical College, where she earned her cosmetology license. This launched an illustrious 30-plus-year career in cosmetology. As the first minority woman-owned salon to locate in downtown Abbeville, Sarah broke barriers and empowered others. Even after retirement, she continued to serve her community as a beautician.

Beyond her professional achievements, Sarah was deeply involved in social justice and civic engagement. During the 1970s and 1980s, she was an active member of the Abbeville County Democratic Party and the Abbeville Chapter of the NAACP, where she advocated tirelessly for her community.

Sarah’s legacy of love, faith, and service lives on in the hearts of her family. She leaves behind her children, Andrea Bonita (Curtis) Lucky, Victor Mathiaus Bell, and Dorinda Nicole Bell; three grandchildren, Branson (Ashley) Lamar Bell, Brianah Nichole Lucky, and Cameron Derrick Lucky; and three great-grandchildren, Jullian M. Bell, Collin J. Bell and Z’Kiyah S. Bell. She also leaves a niece reared in the home, Jacquette Kay (Eddie) Carter, her siblings Nettie Ruth Wright and Inez (Richard) M. Apple Jr., and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, friends, and community members whose lives she touched. Sarah Ann Makin Bell’s life was a shining example of love, dedication, and service. Her memory will forever be cherished by all who had the privilege to know her.

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