Meredith Bell-Platts passed away on September 25, 2017. Meredith was born on June 25, 1975 and grew up in Akron, Ohio, where she graduated from Firestone High School. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Government from Harvard University and a Juris Doctorate degree from Georgetown University Law Center. She was a distinguished and recognized legalContinue Reading
Meredith Bell-Platts passed away on September 25, 2017. Meredith was born on June 25, 1975 and grew up in Akron, Ohio, where she graduated from Firestone High School. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Government from Harvard University and a Juris Doctorate degree from Georgetown University Law Center. She was a distinguished and recognized legal expert on voting rights, and served as Deputy Chief of the Voting Section of the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, and previously as Senior Counsel of the ACLU Voting Rights Project. She leaves behind an amazing legacy of service, and her passionate advocacy for civil rights reminds us of the tremendous difference one person can make in the lives of many.
Meredith excelled in so many roles: a phenomenal mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, mentor, and professional. She was always eager to share her love of music, museums, tennis, or intense debates on football. Her humor, intelligence, and compassion enriched everyone who met her. She is survived by her husband, Anthony Platts, and daughter, Julia; step daughter, Paige Holmes; mother and father, Ophelia and Bertram Bell; sisters, Karyn Bell and Lauren Bell; grandmother, Dorothy Barnes; mother-in-law, Alma Platts; and many family members and friends. The family is humbled and deeply thankful for the overwhelming support and love.
Vanita Gupta
left a message on October 10, 2017:
Meredith was an amazing advocate and person. The world is a better place for her commitment to justice. I am very sorry for your loss and am grateful my path crossed with hers at both the ACLU and DOJ.
Vanita (head of the Civil Rights Division, 2014-2017)
Pinki Shah
left a message on October 4, 2017:
The fifth grade has been thinking about Julia all week. Meredith sounded like a wonderful woman, and for the short period I have been privileged to teach Julia, I already see so many similarities between the two. Big hugs to you, Julia. We look forward to having you back in class.
Carrie Davis
left a message on October 3, 2017:
It was a distinct honor to work with Meredith at the ACLU on a variety of voting rights issues. She was a colleague, mentor, and friend to so many of us -- and a brilliant lawyer. She had an amazing knack for having a witty sense of humor and ready smile, while showing such fierce determination to fight for others' rights. A rare and wonderful gift.
Phyllis Johnson
left a message on October 3, 2017:
"A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again." - Maya Angelou
Hugh and RuthAnne Gregory
left a message on October 3, 2017:
Dear Julia, Platts and Bell families, we offer our condolences to Julia and her family during this difficult time. As Julia’s teacher, she has shared many heart felt moments between her and her mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Hugh and RuthAnne Gregory
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Hugh and RuthAnne Gregory
left a message on October 3, 2017:
My family and I offer our sincere condolences. I feel blessed to have been able to meet Meredith and to have gotten to know so much about Meredith as her daughter, Julia’s teacher shared many beautiful moments with her mom. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
Linda Garrettson
left a message on October 2, 2017:
Sending you all love and Light. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Annie Hurley
left a message on October 2, 2017:
Julia - I am here for you. I love you. Annie
Joi Hyatte, Voting Section colleague and friend
left a message on October 2, 2017:
So sorry for your loss. Meredith was truly a blessing to me, I will cherish our friendship forever.
Laughlin McDonald
left a message on October 2, 2017:
Meredith was a dear friend and long time colleague at the ACLU Voting Rights Project. She, and the important work she did, will not be forgotten.
Sandra Hamilton-Hill
left a message on October 2, 2017:
Meredith was an extraordinary woman, who will forever be remembered. I am very grateful that our paths crossed at DOJ. Hers was a life of justice, service, love, compassion and excellence. Additionally, she was strong and courageous. "Absent from the body but present with the Lord", safe in His everlasting arms. Rest in peace my colleague and friend. I offer my sincere and deep condolences, to the whole family during this very difficult time.
Tom Perez
left a message on September 30, 2017:
Meredith was one of the finest civil rights lawyers I had the privilege of working with. Smart, strategic, passionate and compassionate. The world is a better place because of Meredith. I am so sorry for your loss. We will never forget her. Tom Perez, Former Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, US Department of Justice
Jovanni Blackmon
left a message on September 30, 2017:
You will be missed forever. You were an amazing friend, sister and person.
Jovanni
Richard B. Saphire
left a message on September 29, 2017:
Meredith was wonderful to work and be with. She was a superb lawyer, but an even more superb person. I am thankful for having the opportunity to know her.
Jocelyn Samuels
left a message on September 29, 2017:
My thoughts are with all of you on the loss of this wonderful spouse, mother, daughter, sister and fierce advocate for social justice. Although far too brief, her life is an illustration of how a single person can change the world for the better. We are all deeply grateful.
Calhoun Funeral Home & Cremation Service
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Vanita Gupta
left a message on October 10, 2017:
Meredith was an amazing advocate and person. The world is a better place for her commitment to justice. I am very sorry for your loss and am grateful my path crossed with hers at both the ACLU and DOJ.
Vanita (head of the Civil Rights Division, 2014-2017)
Pinki Shah
left a message on October 4, 2017:
The fifth grade has been thinking about Julia all week. Meredith sounded like a wonderful woman, and for the short period I have been privileged to teach Julia, I already see so many similarities between the two. Big hugs to you, Julia. We look forward to having you back in class.
Carrie Davis
left a message on October 3, 2017:
It was a distinct honor to work with Meredith at the ACLU on a variety of voting rights issues. She was a colleague, mentor, and friend to so many of us -- and a brilliant lawyer. She had an amazing knack for having a witty sense of humor and ready smile, while showing such fierce determination to fight for others' rights. A rare and wonderful gift.
Phyllis Johnson
left a message on October 3, 2017:
"A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again." - Maya Angelou
Hugh and RuthAnne Gregory
left a message on October 3, 2017:
Dear Julia, Platts and Bell families, we offer our condolences to Julia and her family during this difficult time. As Julia’s teacher, she has shared many heart felt moments between her and her mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Hugh and RuthAnne Gregory
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Hugh and RuthAnne Gregory
left a message on October 3, 2017:
My family and I offer our sincere condolences. I feel blessed to have been able to meet Meredith and to have gotten to know so much about Meredith as her daughter, Julia’s teacher shared many beautiful moments with her mom. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
Linda Garrettson
left a message on October 2, 2017:
Sending you all love and Light. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Annie Hurley
left a message on October 2, 2017:
Julia - I am here for you. I love you. Annie
Joi Hyatte, Voting Section colleague and friend
left a message on October 2, 2017:
So sorry for your loss. Meredith was truly a blessing to me, I will cherish our friendship forever.
Laughlin McDonald
left a message on October 2, 2017:
Meredith was a dear friend and long time colleague at the ACLU Voting Rights Project. She, and the important work she did, will not be forgotten.
Sandra Hamilton-Hill
left a message on October 2, 2017:
Meredith was an extraordinary woman, who will forever be remembered. I am very grateful that our paths crossed at DOJ. Hers was a life of justice, service, love, compassion and excellence. Additionally, she was strong and courageous. "Absent from the body but present with the Lord", safe in His everlasting arms. Rest in peace my colleague and friend. I offer my sincere and deep condolences, to the whole family during this very difficult time.
Tom Perez
left a message on September 30, 2017:
Meredith was one of the finest civil rights lawyers I had the privilege of working with. Smart, strategic, passionate and compassionate. The world is a better place because of Meredith. I am so sorry for your loss. We will never forget her. Tom Perez, Former Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, US Department of Justice
Jovanni Blackmon
left a message on September 30, 2017:
You will be missed forever. You were an amazing friend, sister and person.
Jovanni
Richard B. Saphire
left a message on September 29, 2017:
Meredith was wonderful to work and be with. She was a superb lawyer, but an even more superb person. I am thankful for having the opportunity to know her.
Jocelyn Samuels
left a message on September 29, 2017:
My thoughts are with all of you on the loss of this wonderful spouse, mother, daughter, sister and fierce advocate for social justice. Although far too brief, her life is an illustration of how a single person can change the world for the better. We are all deeply grateful.
Calhoun Funeral Home & Cremation Service
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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