Anethia Laverne

Reed Bell

Today, we celebrate the homegoing of one of God's most precious jewels, Anethia LaVerne Reed Bell. She was born in Chipley, Florida on January 10, 1950 to Eddie William Reed and Sarah Ann Lytes- Reed. She was the eldest daughter of their six children.

A product of a devout Christian home, Anethia LaVerne Reed Bell professed her faith in God at an early age and became a member of Mount Ararat First Missionary Baptist of Chipley, Florida under the leadership and guidance of the late Reverend R. V. Jefferson. She served faithfully heeding to God's commandments. She sincerely loved helping others and found joy in using her talents to serve God by being of service to humanity. She also developed a love the arts, specifically music as she was exposed to many different instruments during her summers in Chicago with her cousins. That devotion motivated her to master the clarinet. The enjoyment she found in music was passed down to her children and granddaughters, who play a variety of instruments, like drums, violin, piano and voice.

Anethia was educated in the public school system of Washington County, Florida and was courageously one of the first African Americans to attend the newly integrated Chipley High School. She graduated in the Class of 1967 as an outstanding Honor Student, earning her Master Musician Medal and numerous awards in Public Speaking. She was awarded a scholarship to Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Tallahassee, Florida, where she continued to excel in academics and earn her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science. Ever seeking more knowledge, she continued her education at the University of North Florida and obtained her Master's Degree in Business Administration. With her education in hand she was drawn to the motto "Intelligence is the torch of wisdom" and became a proud, active, member of the Jacksonville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated on February 29,1992, and the"Ace" of her line. Anethia was employed by the City of Jacksonville, in numerous positions; although she started as an entry level typist, her intangible qualities positioned her elevate to Division Chief and later Executive Director. In those roles she managed multi-million dollar budgets and created workforce programs for disadvantaged citizens to become gainfully employed. For thirty-eight years she was also an Adjunct Instructor at Florida State College of Jacksonville, helping thousands to earn their GED and realize their educational goals. Anethia continued to serve and be an advocate for her community, by becoming a candidate for the State of Florida House of Representative, District 15 in 1996, 1998, and 2000. In 1996, Anethia became an entrepreneur, opening her first Consulting Firm, which is operating today as, Ane Cogito Group Inc. and in 2014, she continued her entrepreneurship by establishing a private investigation agency, Ane Advantage, LLC which is still in operation today.

In 1966 while in high school she met the love of her life, Robert Timothy Bell. After college and military service, they were reunited and joined in Holy Matrimony on August 28, 1971. Their union blessed them with two handsome sons, whom she nurtured with her husband into accomplished God fearing men.

Anethia was a devoted faithful Christian, daughter, wife, sister, aunt, teacher, and friend. Anethia was a servant, always advocating for everyone's success. She was the definition of  Fortitude. Anethia nurtured her family in the love, respect, and admonition of the Lord. Her motto was,"…If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove and nothing shall be impossible unto you". Matthew 17:20 KJV

Anethia's life not only touched her family, but she truly gained the love and respect of friends, co-workers, and students who will miss her dearly.

On Thursday, October 23, 2025 our precious Anethia was called to her eternal, heavenly home. She was preceded in death by her parents, the late Eddie "Buddy" William Reed, Sarah Ann Cynthia Lytes-Reed of Chipley, Florida; and grandparents, the late Evans Paige and Maggie Walton Reed of Graceville, FL; and the late Reverend John Early Lytes, Sr., Alice Gibson Lytes of Chipley, Florida; two brothers, SFC (Ret.) Gene Alfred Reed, Augusta, GA, and Ellis William Reed, Chipley, Florida; One sister, Daragh Ann Reed-Gray, Campbellton, FL.

Mrs. Anethia LaVerne Reed Bell's precious memories will forever be cherished in our hearts by a loving and devoted husband, Robert Timothy Bell; Two Sons: Tyrone Demetrius Bell and Robert Tierney Anton (Shomahri) Bell, Saint Johns, FL; Four Granddaughters; Anaje, Autumn, Atiera, and Aliyah; Two Sisters: Marilyn J. Collins, Chipley, FL; Tawana Y. Reed Bowers, Greenwood, FL; Three Special Cousins who were reared with her: Janet Mitchell, Tallahassee, FL; SFC (Ret.)Scott Reed, Jackson, MS and Forrest Reed, Graceville, FL; Five Sisters-in-Law: Priscilla Whitfield, Tallahassee, FL; Thelma (Rev. L.V.) Farmer, Chipley, FL, Claudine Cotton, Jacksonville, FL, Shirley (Carlos) Sanchez, Tampa, FL, and Priscilla Reed, Augusta, GA; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.