Annie Bell Givens

Annie Bell Givens was born on June 21, 1947, in Sumner, Mississippi to Brank and Annabel Givens (Lee). Annie was one of thirteen children born to the couple. As a child, Annie moved to Gary, Indiana with her father and brothers. Annie has shared countless stories about her memories with her brothers, Larry and Phil; and recollections of heartfelt memories of staying with her eldest brother, Levi and sister-in-love, Dorothy, who affectionately called her Cat. She has also shared countless stories of her living with big sister, Leola and brother-in-law, Neal Boyd, Sr. (Jim Bo), big sister, Vera Lee and Lorenzo Thompson, (Big June) and brother Albert and sister-in-love, Wilma Jean.

As a teenager, she was the family babysitter to her siblings' children as a result she became close to all of her nieces and nephews.

Annie was a graduate of Tolleston High School class of 1965.

On December 10, 1970, Annie gave birth to a beautiful baby boy who she adored tenderly. She named him after her eldest brother, Levi, who played a major role in her upbringing alongside his wife, Dorothy.

In her free time, Annie enjoyed gardening, watching Chicago Bulls basketball games, attending her bi-weekly hair appointments, and spending time with her granddaughters.

Prior to retirement in 2009, Annie worked at Methodist Hospital Southlake in Merrillville, Indiana in the Financial Services Department for 38 years. In this capacity, Annie assisted families with billing and financial processing.

She is famous in the family for making her caramel cakes, German chocolate cakes, and strawberry cheesecakes, that were holiday and birthday must-haves, or simply by request. She was also skillful in creating a warm and welcoming environment for anyone that met her.

She leaves to cherish her love and memory to her son, Levi (NaQuaya) Givens, Portage, IN.; three granddaughters, Dr. Kourtney (Tone) Ross, Merrillville, IN., Breia Givens, Merrillville, IN., and Destiny Givens, Merrillville, IN.; great grandson, Legend Faircloth; special daughter, Debra Givens, Merrillville, IN., five siblings, Leola Boyd, Detroit, MI., Larry (Rita) Givens, Gary, IN., Phillip Givens, Calumet City, IL., Sylvester Givens (Catherine), Indianapolis, IN., Fred (Cametta) Givens, St. Paul, MN.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who love and cherish her deeply.

She will be truly missed, but we know that heaven is rejoicing and that she is reunited with those who preceded her in passing; parents, Brank and Annabel; brothers, Napoleon, Albert, Levi, Cleotis, Cedell, and Mike; sisters, Della and Vera Lee.

Visitation Saturday, September 28, 2024, 9:30 a.m.- 10:30 a.m. with Homegoing Service 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. from Ridgelawn Funeral Home 4201 West Ridge Road Gary, Indiana 46408. Interment Ridgelawn Cemetery 4401 West Ridge Road Gary, Indiana 46408.

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