Mae Bell Hackworth was born in Waco Texas to William and Julia Hackworth.

She was the middle child of five and attended Waco Independent Schools. Baptized at early an age in Waco while attending church with her grandmother Annie Bell.

In 1956, Mae Bell moved to Dallas, Texas and completed courses at the Madame C.J. Walker's Cosmetology School,and also enrolled in some junior college courses. Lastly, and most importantly, Mae Bells's thirst for a greater knowledge of the "word of God" led her to enroll as a student at the D. Edwin Johnson Bible Institute.

Mae Bell's professional endeavors include working as a cashier, and apartment make-ready tech, and after 20 years of service, she retired from the Dallas Veterans Administration Hospital, where she worked as a medical supply technician.

She was a devoted member of several churches throughout her life: Community Baptist Church under Rev. C.C. Robertson, Good Hope Baptist Church under Rev. R.L. Jones, and Bexar Street Baptist Church where she attended under Rev. C.C. Robertson, Rev. T.C. Marshall, and now Rev. Andrew Jackson. She was actively involved in church activities throughout her life, serving as an enthusiastic tither, Mission President, Sunday School Superintendent and teacher, and President of the Bexar Street Stay-at-Home Choir.