Local son remembered for quiet strength and commitment to service
D'Mirakl Rex Bell, affectionately called "Dee", was born on Sept. 6, 1998. His life — marked from the start by serious medical complications that required an airlift to the Children's Hospital — was celebrated by family, friends and the churches where he worshipped. He grew up in the Birmingham area and was known to many for his gentle spirit and loyalty.
Bell's faith life was rooted in local non-denominational congregations. Throughout his life he attended Word of Life Ministry, The Word Church and The Rock Church, and as an infant he was dedicated at Word of Life Ministry. Those congregations and their communities were central to his upbringing and support network.
- Education: Pleasant Grove High School, Class of 2017; attended Alabama State University.
- Career aspiration: Worked as a recruit with the Birmingham and Homewood Fire Departments, pursuing a calling to serve others.
- Family: Survived by his mother, siblings, children and extended family; preceded in death by his father, a brother and several grandparents.
Family and community ties
Family was central to Bell’s life. He is survived by his daughters Miracle (Aleah), Ryleigh and Camryn Bell (Kenya); his stepsons Ryan and Cadence Stafford; his mother, Beverley Horton; and siblings Leatoya Bell, Alahaundra Crear, Divinity Horton and Curtis Bell Jr.. He also counted among his closest companions a group the family describes as brothers by heart, including Epic Holcombe, Joshua Williams, Tadarrius Terry and Terrence Sullens.
Those who knew him remember a calm presence whose smile could lift a room and whose loyalty to family and friends never wavered. His community remembers him as devoted to service — a goal that led him to training as a firefighter recruit with both the Birmingham and Homewood departments.
"My Boy"
Key dates and facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Born | Sept. 6, 1998 |
| High school | Pleasant Grove High School, Class of 2017 |
| Higher education | Attended Alabama State University |
| Public safety training | Recruit with Birmingham and Homewood Fire Departments |
Bell was preceded in death by his father, Curtis Bell Sr.; his brother, Christopher Bell; and grandparents on both sides. The surviving family and many friends—referred to in the obituary as "C/o 17'" among other groups—will carry forward his memory.
For Birmingham neighborhoods that knew him through school, church or public-safety training, his passing is a reminder of the close personal ties that bind families and communities here. Local friends and family have been gathering to remember his life and the quiet ways he offered care to those around him.
Arrangements and public memorial information were published by the family through funeral service listings. Community members wishing to express condolences should consult the legacy notice posted by the family for details.
