Dr. Paula Earlynn Bell Marable, a visionary educator, devoted mentor, and cherished community leader, as well as devoted wife whose boundless love and grace profoundly touched the lives of her extended family and dearest friends, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of May 21, 2026.
A Life of Purpose and Excellence
Paula was born on November 12, 1942, in Elkton, Kentucky to Curtis William Bell and Bonnie Bell. Paula possessed an insatiable thirst for knowledge from an early age. With her mother as her mentor, Paula devoted her life to educating youth. She was a proud graduate of Kentucky State University (1963), and Eastern Michigan University (1972).
She pursued higher education with fervor, earning her PhD. in Education from Wayne State University. Guided by a profound desire to uplift youth, she dedicated her life to educational equity and leadership.
A Trailblazing Career in Detroit Education
Dr. Marable dedicated her life to shaping the minds and futures of thousands of Detroit students. Over a distinguished career, her dynamic leadership left an indelible mark on multiple schools. At Condon Middle School, she inspired young minds and fostered a culture of academic curiosity. After a brief stint at Murray-Wright High School, Paula served as an Assistant Principal at Redford High School; she was known for her firm, yet loving approach, high expectations and unwavering belief in student potential.
As the Director of Breithaupt Career & Technical Center (1982-2001), Paula revolutionized vocational and technical education by forging business partnerships and expanding career pathways. Dr. Marable tasked her instructors to provide students with integrated school and work-based learning, along with academic and occupational skills to ensure that they achieve secondary and post-secondary plans based on core values.
Early Life
These core values can be attributed to the foundation her mother built. Paula was active in Phillips Chapel C.M.E. Methodist Church; served as Sunday School Officer, a Christian Youth Fellowship Leader, as well as a competitor in Oration Speaking contests. She was adamant that a standard of excellence must be maintained and that this live example was essential to the development of leadership skills. Later she and husband Roger were faithful members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Detroit, MI.
Sisterhood and Service
Leadership would be the flagship of Paula Marable’s legacy, a testament to the spiritual and emotional growth provided by her mother, Bonnie Hall Bell. She is a life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., where she embodied the ideals of sisterhood, scholarship and service; a member of Kentucky State Alumni Association; the Detroit Moles Inc.; the Doll League, Inc.; Life Member of the NAACP, the Michigan Retired Educators Association, the National Association of Secondary Principals and the former President of T-Tran Consulting Company.
Family & Friends
While her professional achievements were vast, Paula’s greatest joy was her family and the deep bonds she shared with her loved ones. She anchored her family with wisdom, grace, and an enduring legacy of excellence.
Preceded in death by her parents, Curtis Willam and Bonnie Bell; loving uncle Earl Hall, who viewed her more as a daughter rather than a niece. Her legacy will be cherished by her husband, Roger; cousins, Harold & Cindy Hall, Wendell & Karen Hall; her extended Marable family and the countless colleagues, former students and sorority sisters whose lives she profoundly touched.