Constance "Connie" Bell

On an unassuming morning on September 28th in the year 1949, the sun shone through parted clouds and a beautiful soul was brought into this world. That beautiful soul that graced Detroit with her presence was named Constance Maria Durning. Few spirits were as bright as hers. She was kindness incarnated.

Her journey started like any other children, as she attended Detroit Public Schools until the age of 12, when her nurturing spirit was being developed by caring for her sick mother and helping raise her siblings.  That nurturing spirit could be felt by every single one of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. 

A praying woman of strong faith, she was a minister of the Gospel of Christ who loved to sing praise and worship. Constance’s children always found it so funny and amazing that she was the only preacher that could preach a whole sermon with her eyes closed without looking at her notes.  She genuinely loved God and the people of God.  She was willing to help anybody. Constance spread her kindness without hesitation by allowing people who did not have food to shop in her refrigerator and freezer. 

The love of her life, Mr. Eugene Bell preceded her in death. The entire family found it hilarious how he would affectionately call her “CONNIE BELL.” Constance gave up her dreams so that her family would have the opportunity to follow their dreams. She made sure her grandchildren were looked after, ensuring they didn’t need daycare. 

Constance was able to achieve a goal of hers, earning her high school diploma at the age of 60 years old.  She was proud of herself for achieving this goal and so was her family.  Constance Maria Bell was loved and cherished by her family to the highest degree and there is not a single person who has loved her that won’t miss her.

On March 29, 2025, Constance Maria Bell embarked on her journey from Earth to Heaven.  She is at peace and safe now in the arms of Jesus.  Constance is preceded in death by her parents Lacy Stewart, Nette Durning, and bonus father Robert Barron, her sons (Martez and Lee Pope), her grandchild Santana, great grandchild EzraKai, her brothers Steven Durning and Robert Barron Jr. She leaves to cherish her memory her children Sophia Anderson, Ramona Jackson, Consuelo (Bertram) Brewer, Jacob Jackson, Latoria (Donte) Triggs, Mary Pope; Jacqueline (Michael) Oneal, John (Gene’) Pope, and Nikki Jones; sisters Mary Durning, Jennie Grenich and Yvette Barron; brother Leonard (Deshaunda) Barron; grandchildren Constance, Jeremy, Carmella, Jacob II, Jacob III, Asia, Javon, Deanta, Joseph III, Amber, Andrea, Michael, Keith, Iyannah, Kennedy, Donte Jr., Aatumn; Ayana Ford, Jonathan Ford, Robert Cross, Stavion Pope, and Dajuan Pope; great grandchildren Melody, Khalil, Scarlet, and Xavier; Jonathan Jr. host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

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