Marybell Bakewell Laid to Rest
Pamela A. Bakewell
– Valerie Goodloe for Sentinel
 
Danny J. Bakewell, Jr. (Left Front), Donny L. Brooks, Sr. (Right Front), Danny J. Bakewell, III (Left Middle), Jamie K. Brooks (Right Middle), Eric Brazile, Jr (Left Back) and Brandon I. Brooks (Right Back)
– Valerie Goodloe for Sentinel Â
Father Mike
– Valerie Goodloe for Sentinel 
Fatima Elswify, Amira Elswify, Pamela A. Bakewell, Brandi Bakewell and Aline Bakewell
– Valerie Goodloe for Sentinel
Danny J. Bakewell, Sr. & wife Aline Bakewell
– Valerie Goodloe for Sentinel
 
Danny J. Bakewell, Sr. and granddaughter Bryce BakewellÂ
– Valerie Goodloe for Sentinel
Family and friends bid a final farewell to the Marybell Brazile Bakewell family in a royal Home-Going befitting the Queen that she was.
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By Yussuf J. Simmonds
Sentinel Managing Editor
They came from near and far, family and friends alike, to say a final goodbye and give a royal send-off to “Mamie” Marybell Bakewell as she was affectionately called. The gathering exemplified the true love and affection that was generated by those who knew her and by those who had just gotten to know her.
A diminutive Black woman who exuded strength and compassion in her daily life, that her son Danny J. Bakewell, Sr. stated, “She taught me the most important lesson of my life ‘Be a strong Black man and always put family first.'” And her daughter, Pamela Bakewell, wrote, “I know you will watch over me from above as you watch over me on earth.”
The pallbearers who escorted her down the aisle on her final journey were her grandsons, Danny, Jr., Donny, Jamie and Brandon Brooks; her great grandson, Danny III; and her great nephew, Eric Brazile, Jr.
Rev. Michael P. Jacques, the pastor of St. Peter Claver Church Parish in New Orleans, LA where Marybell attended–she was deeply religious and her faith was strong–stated that he was honored to have been chosen to lead her final commendation and give her eulogy.
Prior to the eulogy, general intercessions were given by Marybell’s granddaughters, Fatima and Amira Elswify; grandson Donny; grandniece Lauren Brazile; and great nephew, Eric. And before the remembrance the other family members, Assemblyman Isadore Hall sang a solemn rendition of “Soon and Very Soon.”
The obituary followed and it was read by Danny, Jr. who summarized from the text entitled A Home-going Celebration, a memorable journey of his grand mother’s life. He concluded with some brief remarks that showed how she impacted his life. In the “obit” Danny, Jr. wrote in part, “How do you bundle 43 years of life in one quote? I have never known life without Mamie. And the truth is, I still don’t. She will always be a part of me, my life and the very essence of who I am….”
The family remembrance began with grandson, Brandon, followed by great granddaughter, Bryce Bakewell. As Bryce was overcome by grief and began to cry, granddaughter Brandi Bakewell moved in, held and supported her and continued to read her niece’s poem. The remembrance continued with readings from Eric, Jamie and great granddaughter, Taelor Bakewell. Then it was Brandi’s turn as she serenaded her grandmother, describing her as a strong Black woman.
After the closing hymn, “Wind Beneath My Wings,” Danny, Sr. gave some special remarks thanking those who were there in person and also mentioned those who sent/gave condolences from afar. Some of those present were Congresswoman Diane Watson, Councilman Bernard Parks, Dr. Maulana Karenga, Robert Mc Neill, Rickey Ivie, Lonnie Bunkley, Charisse Bremond and Joseph Rouzan, Jr. He also gave special thanks to his loyal assistant, Brenda Marsh-Mitchell and mentioned calls of condolences from Congresswomen Maxine Waters and Barbara Lee, and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
