Mrs. Grace Coots Bell

Grace was born November 26, 1930 to the late Frederick and Josephine (Fay) Coots. A native of Brooklyn, NY, she met her husband Clifford J. Bell, Jr. at the end of World War II and the two were married in 1947. Early in their marriage, Grace and Cliff briefly travelled the country for his naval career before being stationed in Norfolk, VA. The pair eventually settled in Virginia Beach where they were known for hosting backyard barbeques for their large extended family. Grace was a loving and dedicated wife and mother who stayed home to raise her children. She loved reading, shopping, playing bingo, cooking for her family, spoiling her grandchildren and the occasional trip to Atlantic City. She had a kind and generous nature, doing for others often, without asking anything in return. Her generous nature wasn’t reserved for her human family; she also loved to spoil the many canine kids she had over the years. Grace’s family would say there has never been, and will never be, anyone more special. She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Clifford J. Bell, Jr., son Richard Bell (Katie), sister Mildred Mulally and brother Charles Coots.

Left to cherish her memory are her children Clifford J. Bell, III (Louise), Michael F. Bell (Margaret), Barbara A. Bailey (Ronald), Melba T. Delfenthal (Bruce), and Wayne M. Bell, grandchildren Dawn, Heather, Michael, Jason, Adam, Adrian, Melissa, Elizabeth and Brett , 10 great-grandchildren and many other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 31 from 6pm-8pm at Woodlawn Funeral Home in Norfolk, VA. Funeral services will be Wednesday, September 1 at 11am at Woodlawn Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers make a memorial donation to the charity of your choice.