Alabama State Board of Education member Ella Bell of Montgomery died on Sunday morning.

Bell, a Democrat, has represented district five on the state school board since first being elected in November of 2000.

In a statement, Governor Kay Ivey said that she will praying for Bell’s family.

“We shared a passion for the children of our state,” Ivey added. “She was an ardent champion of her district and will be missed. May the Lord be with her family and friends during this time.”

Our deepest sympathies go to the family of AL State School Board member Ella Bell. She was a tireless advocate & strong voice for public ed & all educators who take care of Alabama’s students. Her leadership will be missed by AEA and anyone who is connected to an Ala school.

— Alabama Education Association (@myAEA) November 3, 2019

You can read more via the Montgomery Advertiser here.

Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn