Idell Ryan's Obituary
Idell Marie Ryan was born on December 18, 1933 in Chidester,
Arkansas. She was the oldest daughter born to Colonel Lee and
Velma Lee Hinton. She departed her life on earth on Thursday,
January 14, 2021 in Saint Louis, Missouri after an extended illness.
Her parents and her sister, Hellece Smith, preceded her in death.
Idell’s family migrated north to Decatur, Illinois when she was one
year old. She grew in grace and favor with God, during her formative
years in Decatur, Illinois.
Idell was a gifted and talented musician. God gave her the gift of
music at an early age. As a child, she pretended to play the piano on
the steps in her family home. She loved music so much that she
asked the church organist at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in
Decatur, Illinois to teach her how to play the piano. She began piano
lessons at a very early age. Music was the passion in her life. She
played the piano for the church choir, sang in church, school and
community choirs and vocal ensembles.
Idell received a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Illinois Wesleyan
University. She was a piano major. She also earned a Master’s
Degree in Music Education from Milliken University.
Idell worked as a vocal music teacher for the Detroit Public Schools
for 44-1/2 years. She was an excellent vocal music teacher. Her
elementary school glee clubs sang in 3-part harmony. Her school
programs were full productions with costumes, scenery, dance and
drama. She also taught private piano lessons in the music studio in
her home.
Order of Service
FAMILY HOUR VIEWING AND VISITATION
SCRIPTURE READING II TIMOTHY 4:7-8 BISHOP LARRY O. JONES
PASTOR, GREATER GRACE CHURCH
PRAYER FOR STRENGTH AND COMFORT BISHOP LARRY O. JONES
PASTOR, GREATER GRACE CHURCH
SONG “PRAISE IS WHAT I DO”
FAMILY REFLECTIONS
JULIA JOHNSON GREAT NIECE
JOYCE LIGGINS FAMILY FRIEND AND CAREGIVER
POEM CONNIE MINER
SISTER
SCROLL OF LIFE JANICE JOHNSON
SISTER
SONG “STAND”
MESSAGE OF COMFORT BISHOP LARRY O. JONES
PASTOR, GREATER GRACE CHURCH
RECESSIONAL “TO GOD BE THE GLORY”
Interment
MEMORIAL PARK CEMETERY
5200 LUCAS AND HUNT ROAD ♦ SAINT LOUIS, MISSOURI 63121
Some of the vocal music students she taught at Vandenberg
Elementary School in Detroit, went on to become recording artist
as adults. Idell taught Bishop William Murphy (Praise Is What I
Do), Keith Staten (Gospel Group; Commissioned) and Claritha
Buggs (American Spiritual Ensemble and Michigan Opera Theatre).
Idell had music in her soul from birth. Even when her memory
began to fail, and her speaking declined, she continued to sing.
She was fondly called the “opera singer” at her nursing home.
She often sang words that were usually spoken. One of her
caregivers said “We always know when Miss Idell is awake,
because she starts singing.”
Idell was not blessed with children of her own, when she was
married. She taught, mentored, nurtured and loved many
children during her lifetime. She was a role model and mentor to
her younger sisters, nieces, nephews and music students.
Idell leaves to cherish her memories: her two sisters ~ Connie
Miner of Hazelwood, Missouri and Janice (Melvin) Johnson of
Florissant, Missouri; three generations of nieces and nephews;
and a host of relatives and friends.
What’s your fondest memory of Idell?
What’s a lesson you learned from Idell?
Share a story where Idell's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Idell you’ll never forget.
How did Idell make you smile?
