Lettie Bell Vander Zwaag, a beloved and loving wife and mother, passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 31, 2026 at the age of 87, in Memphis, Tennessee. She was born Christmas day, 1938 to Maggie Elethia and Woodford Worth Hanna in Hackberry, Louisiana. She is survived by Roger, her devoted husband of 62 years, her daughter Barbara Ann (Bradley) Dickerson, her sons Paul Henry (Nicole) Vander Zwaag and John Richard Vander Zwaag, by her grandchildren Anna Grace (Andy) Ladd, Mackenzie Dickerson, Addison Dickerson, Evelyn Vander Zwaag and Henry Vander Zwaag and by her great grandchild Emmaline Quinn Ladd.

Lettie Bell graduated from McNeese State University with a major in mathematics. She gave up pursuit of a master’s degree in biostatistics at Louisiana State University when she married Roger in order to support his pursuit of an advanced degree in biostatistics. During that time, she was employed at Johns Hopkins University and as a research assistant at a Maryland state mental hospital.

Lettie enjoyed cooking and sewing. Most of all she loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, her family, and her church, Riveroaks Reformed Presbyterian Church in Germantown Tennessee.. She had a special love for children whom she enjoyed caring for and teaching many years at church in a variety of children’s ministries. She worked tirelessly many years as purchaser for the church kitchen supplies. Her life was marked by sacrificial love and service to others.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to Evangelical Christian School in honor of Lettie Bell Vander Zwaag. Gifts may be made at https://bngn.blackbaud.school/?id=a3cb05mu1w1#/home