On June 14th 1938, our beloved mother, Aniece Lavelle Bacon affectionately known as Sandi was born in Chicago Illinois to Frank Bacon Sr. and Margaret Stevens.

At the age of 11 Aniece moved to Donora PA with her uncle William Carter and wife Flora. While in Donora she sang with the First Baptist Church Choir. She attended Donora public schools until her junior year; at which point she returned to Chicago with the intent of pursuing a career as a nurse.

After returning to Chicago she completed high school at Corpus Christi high.

While growing up in Chicago she would meet and marry Roland James and to this union there was born one son, Rick James (not the singer). She would later meet and marry Fidele (Fred) Lembo and to this union there was born one daughter Aniece Antionette Lembo.

During her time with Fred the family moved to Connecticut where she focused mostly on nursing and went to acting school.

From an early age it was apparent that Aniece had a tremendous amount of creative talent! Never allowing the grass to grow under her feet, she would engage fearlessly with life and live it to it’s fullest. In a world that wasn’t always friendly to African Americans and especially African American women, by the help of God, she made her mark on several creative fronts. Just a few of her accomplishments:

• Bachelor’s degree in nursing

• She co-founded along with Tyrone Machen  an infamous R&B/Jazz group called Gabriel’s Horn – New York in which she was the lead female vocalist.

• She sang backup for soul singer Ben E. King when he came to NY

• She sang backup for the lead singer of the female group The Shirelles

• She was an extra and made a cameo appearance in the hit movie Serpico starring Al Pachino.

• During her participation in the Dramatic Art Guild located at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago, she would go on to perform in plays and performances.

Some of her memorable roles go on to include: best actress awards for her stage performances as “Doris” in “The Owl and The Pussycat” and “Mama Younger” in “A Raisin In The Sun.”

She also appeared in stage productions of “Anna Lucasta,” “A Street Car Named Desire,” and “The Miracle Worker.”

• While living in New York, and wanting to earn enough to support her family and purchase property, she worked in real estate and managed a large apartment complex by the name of Twin Parks which was located in the Bronx.

• Even at 80yrs of age, she enjoyed getting out on her roller skates and showing the young people how to do it.

Being a true superwoman, she would be able to do all of the things mentioned above and yet make time for family. Aniece made her children the priority of her life. She kept first things first and in between shows, rehearsals, schooling, & working, she would show up regularly to check homework, give life lessons, spend time and tuck everyone in for bed.

During her later years Aniece chose to be closer to her son. In doing so she moved to California where she joined Triumph Ministries under the leadership of Pastor William Yancy. To be closer to home she later joined Hilltop Community Church. At Hilltop she brought her acting talent to become a part of the famed "Singing Christmas Tree"

She was proceeded in death by her parents, aunts and uncles, brother, and close friends that have meant the world to her.

She leaves to mourn her son Eric (Rick) James, daughter Aniece Lembo, nephews Philip, Geoff, and Stuart Bacon. Granddaughter Kapris James, Great granddaughters Nubia, Zafirah Braden and Gianna James and a host of extended family, friends, and acquaintances.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/anice-bacon/obituary/

Copy