Inda Lou Schell

Inda Lou Schell, affectionately known as Mom and Grandmother to her family and Miss Lou to the entire community, quietly went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at the age of 92 at her childhood home in Chatom. Her entire family was so blessed to have spent Thanksgiving Day with her in her home loving on her.

Born on June 10, 1933, to parents Joseph Milton and Willie Ethel (Smith) Lambert, Lou dedicated her life in service to God through her gift of music. She was a 1951 graduate of Washington County High School, attended the University of Alabama marching in the Million Dollar Band for 2 years, received a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Mobile College and a Master's degree from Livingston University.

She was married to and loved her husband, Fletcher, for 52 years. They loved to travel and entertained friends in their home constantly. She stood strong in refusing to feed Fletcher's horses when he was away, but was supportive in all other ways! He was always her biggest supporter in everything she did. Most importantly, they made God the center of their marriage and shared their salvation together through their marriage and their dedication to their church.

Lou's uncle, a dentist in Mobile, ignited her musical gift by paying for her beginning piano lessons. At the age of 9, she would catch the bus in Chatom, and travel alone weekly to Mobile for her lessons. She spent the week with her uncle and aunts, and would walk to the theater to see all of the latest movies for 5 cents.

She made a lasting impression on many, many young students at Chatom Elementary School by implementing a music program and Sing-a-Longs as a volunteer, happily pushing the piano up and down the hallways. Later upon completing her degree, while also caring for her home, serving her church as pianist and being an amazing mother to her four children, she taught 3rd and 5th grade for 12 years.

For over 50 years, Lou and her best friend, Regina, served the Chatom Baptist Church as pianist and organist together. There is truly no way to put in to words the ministry that their music provided, not only through the instruments but also in the unwavering dedication and consistency. Her talent also served the community, Washington County and far -reaching places each and every time she was asked.

At age 77, her sense of adventure took she and her sister, Janie, on an 11 month, 13,0000 mile journey around the country tracing the travels of Charles Kurault. Being "prayed up" always, she was never deterred to continue alone when Janie became ill midway of the trip and returned home. Upon returning, Lou wrote a book entitled "Revisiting America" that recounts the adventure and includes, as she laughingly said, lots of food and eating!

Lou made known how deeply she cared for each and every one of her children, grandchildren, great and great-great grandchildren. She never failed to ask them how they were and offer encouragement and prayers for whatever they were doing. Her kindness and caring nature extended to every person that she ever came in to contact with.

Inda Lou Schell is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Robert Fletcher Schell, Sr., sisters Jo Ethel Harris, Helen Patricia Floyd, Shirley Anne Lambert, and infant sister.

She is survived by her sons Robert Fletcher Schell, Jr. (Lou Ann) and Thomas Milton Schell (Lyna'), daughters Kay Schell Beech and Ellene Schell Brown Bradley (Heath), grandchildren Joseph Rossi Schell, John Hawthorne Schell (Jilli), Amzie Caroline Sasnett (Joel), Aimee Nicole Williams (Tom), Jeremy Lyn Beech (April), Meagan Ellene Grimes (Ronnie), Sydney Lauren Barnett, Richard Elliot Brown, Zane Arthur Bradley and Zachary Heath Bradley, 15 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren and sister Janie Leona Gass.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during a public visitation at Chatom Baptist Church on Friday, December 5, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. with Brother Jerry Roberson and Brother Robert Kirkland officiating. Interment will be at Chatom Town Cemetery immediately following the service with grandson Jeremy Beech officiating.