LELA ARNETTA BAGBY

Lela Arnetta Bagby was born on November 11, 1949, in Greencastle, Indiana. She was the daughter of the late, Oscar L. Bagby and Barbara Jean Bagby. She later moved to Indianapolis during her early childhood, where she spent most of her life surrounded by family, friends, and loved ones.

Lela began her career as a key punch operator at Fort Harrison, where she formed a lifelong friendship with Jackie. She later transitioned into Human Resources, serving faithfully at Methodist   Hospital, Ivy Tech, and the City of Indianapolis, where she retired in 2016.

Known affectionately as a “Songbird”, Lela sang her heart out in numerous bands, church choirs, and famously on many of our voicemails! She had a joyful spirit, a sharp sense of humor, and a gift for making others laugh. Her beautiful smile and generous heart were constant in her life. Lela was loyal, caring, and lived with purpose, grounded in her unwavering faith in the Lord.

Among her greatest joys was being a grandmother and Gigi. She loved her family deeply and poured herself into each of us with devotion-- She loved us all “to the moon and back”!

Lela Arnetta Bagby departed this life at the age of seventy-six. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and faith. She was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar L. Bagby and Barbara Jean Bagby Simmons; former spouse, Lewis Jordan; sister, Jerri Jones; grandson, Corey Owens, and brother-in-law, Larry Reynolds.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving spouse, Damon Love;  her children, Melvin Jordan (Chirell), Tshamba N’cho (Mathias), and Timothy Akers; her stepchildren, Rodney Stanback (Caroline), Antonio Cowherd, Donna Phelps, and Peniel Love; and her siblings, Byron Simmons, Althea “Cissi” Roberson (Charles), Tristicia “Ticia” Reynolds and Eugene Simmons III (Shawna). She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Melinda McGordon (David), Chakara N’cho, Darius Jordan, Mathias N’cho Jr., Jean-Marcel N’cho, and Jawan Owens. Her legacy continues through her great‑grandchildren, Nazir McGordon, Noa McGordon, Adaia Owens, and Alegacy Owens, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends who will forever hold her memory close.

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