Barbara Rich Bell

Barbara Ann Rich Bell, 81, of Midlothian, Virginia passed away peacefully on July 11, 2023, surrounded by her family and loved ones. Barbara grew up in Richmond, Virginia but quickly grew to love Midlothian where she planted her roots. In 2005 she retired from Chesterfield County School system after serving as a teacher's aide for 30 years, primarily at Grange Hall and Greenfield Elementary schools. While working as an aide she also enjoyed leading the church library at Bethel Baptist Church which she did until her recent health problems. Her work in the library combined her gifts of a love for reading, a love for children and a love for God. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother, friend, and fur mom. She shared her love with many and she will be greatly missed.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Sidney Murphy Rich and Ruth Johnson Rich, and her youngest son, Bruce Franklin Bell. She is survived by her former husband, Kenneth Franklin Bell whom she shared a remarkable 47 years of marriage. After they divorced, they continued to support and uplift one another through life's joys and challenges. In addition, she is survived by sister, Deborah Mozingo and her children, Anne Bell Cullen, Michael Bell (Christine), and her daughter-in-law Christy Neglia (Dave). Her grandchildren include Christine Allen (David), Taylor Cullen (Elizabeth), Tiffany Bell, Chelsea Appanah (Darren), Ally Seaton, Samantha Seaton, Ryan Bell, Aaron Bell, and her four adorable great grandchildren Levi, Avery, Sloane and Harry.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 14, 2023, at Bethel Baptist Church at 10 a.m. followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11 a.m. Interment will immediately follow at the church's cemetery. The address of the church is 1100 Huguenot Springs Road.

The family is incredibly grateful for the kindness, love and support shown by the congregation of Bethel Baptist Church through her life and especially during the last several months.