Elizabeth Ann Bell Mootry, affectionately known as “Ann” or “Liz” amongst family and friends, was born on September 8, 1952 in Memphis, TN to the late Sarah L. Bell and John H. Wilson. She was the second oldest child of five siblings.
Elizabeth attended Larose Elementary School, Porter Junior High School and Booker T. Washington High School where she graduated in 1971. In May of 1974, she made the choice to enlist in the military, where she served in the United States Navy until she was discharged from Active Duty in April of 1993.
Elizabeth eventually decided to relocate and settle in Norfolk, VA where she received her Associate’s Degree in Applied Science from Tidewater Community College. She is also noted for many Naval Achievements and Recognitions such as the Navy Unit Commendation Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation and Joint Meritorious Commendation Medal to name a few. Ultimately, she retired as an YN1-E6 and an Administrative Assistant to a Captain at Norfolk Naval Base Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center on September 28, 2018 with 44 years of military and civil service.
Elizabeth accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age under Rev. A. B. Triplett at Bethany Baptist Church in Tunica, MS and she later re-dedicated her life to Christ under the leadership of her brother, Pastor Rickey Bell of Greater Open Door M.B. Church in Memphis, TN.
Elizabeth separated from this life on Tuesday May 23, 2023 at Beth-Sholom Village in Virginia Beach, VA. She was proceed in death by her youngest sister, Pauline Bell-Davis, her mother, Sarah Bell and her oldest sister, Bettye Trice.
Elizabeth leaves to cherish her memory: her son, Leland Maurice Guy, of Norfolk, VA, her sister, Mirian (Rickey) Johnson and her brother, Pastor Rickey (Vicki) Bell, all of Memphis, TN. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, a second son, Mr. Andre Wallace (Norfolk, VA) and a bonus daughter Ms. Kym Smith (Virginia Beach, VA) and friends.
