Mae Bell Kirby was born July 20, 1934 to Nathaniel Johnson and Elnora Johnson in Fairfield, (Stratton Plantation) Arkansas. During this era, sharecropping and picking cotton was king. Mae Bell attended Corbin School part time and worked in the fields during harvest season.

She confessed Christ at an early age and was baptized at New St. James Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. E. E. Harris. She remained a faithful and devoted servant in the church. She had a passion for singing and loved to sing in choirs. As a young woman she was a member of a 4 girl group called the "Jubilee Four" All throughout her life she loved singing conventions, musicals and Gospel singing unions. It was often requested that she sing lead on songs like, "The Uncloudy Day", "I Said I Wasn't Gon Tell Nobody and "Think of His Goodness.

In the mid 50's, Mae Bell relocated her family to Pine Bluff after the sudden death of her husband, Velva Lee Anthony. There she began raising her children and working many jobs. She found her niche in retail sales. Beginning at Grabers Department Store, Howard Brothers and JC Penny's where she retired after 40 years of service in the retail industry.

During a spring vacation in Tyler, Texas Mae Bell became acquainted with Will Kirby.They were married and she relocated to Tyler. Still working and serving in the church. She became a member of St. James C.M.E Church under the leadership of her son-in-law Rev.Reginald Garrett, continuing to serve, she was a member of the Sunday School, Senior Choir, Missionary Society and served as President of Stewardess Board No. 1.

She was currently a member of New Days Community Church where she served faithfully until her health failed. Mae Bell was preceded in death by her parents, Nathaniel and Elnora Johnson, Velva Lee Anthony and Will Kirby, three sisters, Mary Harris, Irene Anthony and Rebecca Price; one brother Richard Johnson. Mae Bell passed away quietly in her sleep, November 15, 2024.

Leaving to cherish her precious memories; Daughters, Loreita Garrett (Rev. Reginald), Tyler, TX. Martha Allen, Little Rock AR., Evelyn Barron (Larry) Pine Bluff, AR; Sons, David Butler (Draeshawn), Miami, Fl., Barry Butler (DeDe) Houston, TX and Michael Butler (Loretta), Tyler, TX. She leaves nine grandchildren, five great grandchildren and eight great great grandchildren. She will be missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of lifelong friends.