Mrs. Judith Ann (Mackey) Bell, age 77, known to family and friends as “Judy”, of Sandston, VA, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 22,2022 at her daughter Holly’s home after an extended illness. Holly became an amazing caretaker! Holly lovingly cared for her Mom in her last weeks as well as her son, Lewis, spending much time by his Moms side, sharing and discovering new things about his Mom. These last, remaining weeks spent together meant much to Judy and both her children and served as an inspiration to all their family and friends.
Mrs. Bell was born on January 12,1945 in Bakersfield, CA to Virginia and David Mackey who preceded her in death. Judy attended John Marshall High School; however, she was needed at home when her mother passed away at 42 years of age. At the time, Judy was only 16 years old but later still managed to obtain her GED prior to entering the workforce.
Judy Bell had a long and varied work history daring to seek new experiences and accomplishments. For many years she worked in the office of the Virginia National Guard as well as holding clerical positions with the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company (aka C&P) and with the Sears Personnel Department. Judy also managed her husband’s business (Joe Bell Floor Sanding) for over 30 years working together. She operated her own company in Sandston, “Judy Bell’s Boutique, which she truly enjoyed with her remarkable fashion sense! Judy dove into the real estate business as an agent for Kenny Wilbourne Realty at the same time.
Judy Bell led a life full of love, purpose and meaning. She was baptized as an adult at Sandston Baptist Church. She later joined Emmaus Baptist Church and there became a very active member and served in several capacities, as a young adult Sunday school class teacher, assistant Sunday school director and later as Sunday school director, also volunteered as a nursery worker and for vacation bible school as well as many other church activities.
Judy and Joe shared a lifetime together and enjoyed going to Nags Head where they had a vacation house for twenty-five years. They enjoyed karaoke, dancing, car shows and hanging out with many friends over the
years.
Judy’s favorite pastime was spending time with her children and grandchildren. All of her grandchildren called her “Nanny” and she loved being their Nanny! Her true love was her family ~ She looked forward to keeping up with family and enjoyed sharing in their lives.
Judy was definitely a fan and an avid Facebook user! This online social media outlet provided a connection which allowed her to stay in touch with family and grandkids, as well as old and new friends, and former classmates from all over the country. She continued to post on Facebook when her health began to decline and into her final weeks. She garnered much love and support from all her Facebook family and friends. According to her son Lewis, his Mom was also a big fan of Amazon, always finding new and exciting purchases to enjoy!
Judy Bell possessed many sides to her lively personality. Daughter Holly shared that her Mom loved clothes, shoes, pocket books, make up, and finger nail polish (this would explain her close relationship with Amazon). And if you knew Judy Bell, you knew her to be “classy and stylish”, always kept a well-maintained appearance from the top of her head to her feet! And Judy held onto her disciplined approach in her appearance until the very end according to Holly who shared that Mom always had her fingernails polished and lipstick on, even in those last remaining weeks of her life ~ She wanted her rosy cheeks and lipstick on!
Her son Lewis shared that his Mom was quite the prankster! She thoroughly enjoyed entertaining a telemarketer on the phone to see how long she could keep them on the phone. Also, when Judy lost her appetite, she would hide the food she didn’t want in empty Pringles’ cans. Definitely a clever hiding place!
The family would like to extend a gracious “thank you” to next door neighbors, Troy and Cathy Westerman, who were always so generous with their time. Mom appreciated all your support and kindness, the meals you prepared and brought over, the check-ins to make sure she was okay and always taking care of whatever needed to be done. All of our family are forever grateful to you both for your love, acts of kindness and support!
Judy was a loving wife, daughter, Nanny, sister and friend; she had a loving and kind heart! Left to cherish her memories are: Her husband of 42 years, Wayne Bell, better known as “Joe”; her son, Lewis Cable (Teresa) of Midlothian, VA; and daughter, Holly Williams (Stephen) of New Kent, VA; Jeff Bell (Susan) of New Kent, VA; Tracy (Bell) Bowman of Henrico County, VA; grandchildren: Chandler and Savannah Cable; Tyler Williams (Amanda) of New Kent, VA; Taylor Williams of West Point, VA; Trevor Williams of New Kent, VA; Kerri Ragsdale (Jake) of King William, VA; Joey Bell (Brittany) of New Kent, VA; Josh Bell of Richmond, VA; Jessica Bowman of Henrico County, VA; Jacob Bowman of Highland Springs, VA; great grandchildren: Oliver and Finley Williams, Nicole Williams, Ryleigh, Charleigh and Bayleigh Bell; and Judy’s younger brother, Tommy Mackey (Joanne) of Chesterfield, VA.
The family will receive family and friends on Friday, July 29, 2022 from 4 pm to 7 pm at Vincent Funeral Home. 9923 Pocahontas Trail, Providence Forge, VA. 23140. Funeral services will take place at 11 am on Saturday morning with Pastor Tim Madison, assisted by Troy Westerman. Burial will follow at Washington Memorial Park at a later date.
A Celebration of Life for Judy Bell will be held directly following the funeral service at Emmaus Baptist Church located at 6700 Emmaus Church Rd., Providence Forge, VA 23140.
Memorial donations are suggested to Emmaus Baptist Church and mailed to 6700 Emmaus Church Rd., Providence Forge, VA 23140. Memories of you, “Judy Bell”, will always be in our hearts and minds.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.vincentfh.com
Vincent Funeral Home, 9923 Pocahontas Trail, Providence Forge, VA 23140, is honored to serve the Bell Family.
