Ernestine Bell

Ernestine Bell, 68, of Lancaster, PA, and formerly of Philadelphia, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Born and raised in North Philadelphia, Ernestine was the daughter of the late Edwin Hall, Sr. and Sarah Bea Bell. A proud and grounded woman, she carried herself with a quiet charisma and grace that naturally drew people to her. Those who knew her often spoke of the "aura" she carried—a presence marked by warmth, wisdom, and sincerity. Ernestine was a people person to her core. She was a listener, a counselor, and a cheerleader to many. With a wealth of life experience, including her journey as a single parent, she offered guidance rooted in resilience and love. She inspired others to care for themselves, pursue education, seek meaningful work, and strive toward self-respect and personal dignity. Ernestine held high standards—not just for herself, but for those she loved—and encouraged everyone to treat others with fairness and kindness, no matter their background. She was a faithful and active member of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Lancaster, where she served as a trustee and found joy in fellowship and service. Before her retirement, Ernestine worked with pride as a bar line operator for a company that makes Twizzlers, a division of the Hershey Company. Ernestine is left to mourn by her devoted daughter, Heather Garner (Dean Spotwood); her beloved grandchildren, Iteriah Creary, Michael Creary, and Deionna Spotwood; her brother, Edward Bell (Sharetta Smith-Bell); her aunt, Unellar Bell and many extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her cherished life partner, Barbara Erisman, and her sister, Lutricia Bell, and her uncle, William Bell. She is missed by her childhood friend, Linda Shannon, and an abundance of former classmates from Simon Gratz High School and her Ebenezer Church family. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Viewing at 11:00 a.m. followed by her Homegoing Service at Noon on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Ebenezer Baptist Street, 701 N. Lime Street, Lancaster, PA. Interment will follow at Millersville Mennonite Cemetery. Ernestine's legacy lives on in the lives she touched—those she uplifted, advised, and loved with her whole heart. "She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue." — Proverbs 31:26