My Grandmother - Lilla Bell

This was my grandmother's name, Lilla Bell, and today would have been my her birthday. Everyone always just called her Lilla. She was born in 1910 in a small Huntsville Community. I previously posted about my family here. Since today would have been her birthday, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity for me to tell you about her.

She was my dad's mom and was the youngest of 4 children. I grew up hearing my aunt say since she was the baby, she was always spoiled, in a kidding way. While there may have been some jealousy on my aunt's part, I think it was my grandmother that always wanted to be in my aunt's shadow. Her first marriage ended in divorce and the second man she married didn't last long. She never remarried after that and sometimes I think she might have been lonely, but her life was full of her family, friends, and church.

She had two son's, my dad and his brother. Her oldest son died when he was a baby and my dad grew up as an only child. Back in the 40's, being single, and raising a child I'm sure was hard. I know she did the best she could.

She lived in a small house down the road from my aunt. I don't remember this house much, because by the time I remember spending time with her, she had moved into a previous house my aunt owned that was right next to door to her. I remember in the summer she'd leave the windows open and there was always a cool breeze blowing through at night. It never seemed hot in the summer like it does now, or maybe the heat just didn't bother me then. I could hear the tree frogs at night and occassionally I'd hear dogs barking or a coyote in the night. I remember so vividly one summer night when I had both my grandmother's with me that night. For some reason my mother's grandmother, which was actually my great grandmother, had spent the night at her home. We all slept in the back bedroom on the feather mattress with the cool air coming in. I remember by morning it was quite chilly. That was the only time I ever remember both grandmother's being together.

She made the best chocolate pie ever. Homemade crust and the chocolate pudding was so rich. Homemade meringue was piled high on top. I couldn't wait to cut into it. You knew it would still be warm from having just come out of the oven. This was her specialty and we always requested it.

My grandmother was a good woman and wasn't rich by any means. I sometimes think she felt bad that she couldn't give us more, especially at Christmas. But what she did give us, couldn't have been bought at any store. Memories, precious ones that I will always cherish. She was so faithful to her church and I can remember her always reading her bible on Saturday getting ready for her Sunday School lesson. She loved my boys so. I miss you Mamaw!! Happy Birthday.