Dorothy M. Bell

Dorothy Melvern Bell was born on November 20, 1948, in Norfolk, Virginia, to the late Dorothy George-Washington and Frank George.  As a native of Norfolk, she grew up in the neighborhoods of Diggs Park and Tidewater Park. She attended Norfolk Public Schools and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School as a member of the Class of 1967.

Upon graduating, she married the late Roland Lee Bell Sr., and attended Tidewater Community College, where she received an associate degree in culinary arts/food service management and Norfolk State University. She would later begin her career as a member of the cafeteria staff at Lake Taylor Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia. After completing her tenure at Lake Taylor Hospital, she transitioned her employment to Chesapeake Public Schools where she began as a cafeteria staff member at Great Bridge High School.  She would advance and be promoted to the position of cafeteria manager, matriculating through Norfolk Highlands, Truitt Middle, Oscar Smith Middle, and finally completing her career at Indian River High School, where she would retire in 2004. She dedicated twenty years of service to the school community and touched on the lives of countless students, faculty, and staff through her food and exceptional service.

Throughout her life, she was a lifelong and loyal member of the Church of God in Christ. Growing up in the Historic Mason Memorial under the leadership of Dr. D. Lawrence Williams and later joining the St. Paul Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Bishop Wilbert Lee Daniels Sr., she continued to serve God and his people with a heart full of love.  She was a member of the Hospitality ministry, the Mothers' board, the YWCC, and a Sunday school attendant. She also served as the kitchen manager for St. Paul Learning Center. She remained a supporter of the church as her health declined. 

Dorothy enjoyed life and the simple things that brought her happiness. She loved cooking for her family, going on cruises, and taking time to get her hair and nails done. She was also a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan.

Dorothy is predeceased by her husband, Roland Bell Sr., daughter Monica Reed (Anthony), sisters Gayland and Zoey George, brothers Clinton and Maurice Goerge, Grandson Karim Hicks.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory: one Brother Dion A. George; four children: Veltina Hicks, Roland Lee Bell Jr. (Elke), Sean Quenton Bell, two bonus daughters Tishara Patrice Gillam Watkins (Nicholas) and Romega Clarke-White (Walter); two god daughters: Maya Person (David) and Monique Boyette; grandchildren; Kaya (Jenay) and Keyon Reed, Christian George, Stefan Bell, Kathrin Rupprecht (Robin), Tyree Hicks, Thomas Diescher, Joshua Thomas, Anaiah, London,  Kamarion Gilliam, Faith and Vermell Clarke-White, David Person Jr. (DJ), Messiah, Legacy, and Legend; five great grandchildren: Jordan Hicks, Sincere,  George Benton, Mike and Anna Rupprecht; and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. Dorothy’s love, strength, and legacy will live on through the many lives she touched. Though she will be deeply missed, her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her.