Bill Text: VA HR257 | 2023 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of Bettie Lucille Bell.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2023-01-23 - Bill text as passed House (HR257ER) [HR257 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2023-HR257-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Bettie Lucille Bell, an accomplished social worker, esteemed deacon, and beloved member of the Norfolk community, died on September 28, 2022; and
WHEREAS, Bettie Bell grew up in Chesapeake and graduated from the former George Washington Carver High School before earning a bachelor's degree in social work; she later earned a master's degree summa cum laude in urban affairs with an emphasis on gerontology from what is now Norfolk State University; and
WHEREAS, Bettie Bell's noble career as a social worker entailed service with various organizations, including Job Corps, Women in Community Service, and Samaritan House, enabling her to provide uplifting support to many individuals and families; and
WHEREAS, for more than a decade, Bettie Bell proudly and graciously served as the director of the food bank at Mount Lebanon Baptist Church in Norfolk, where she assisted underprivileged members of her congregation as well as individuals and families in need throughout the city; and
WHEREAS, Bettie Bell was celebrated by all who knew her for her hospitality and her cooking, especially by those fortunate enough to attend her holiday feasts or to try her sweet potato pie; and
WHEREAS, Bettie Bell was an avid reader and writer with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, and she took great efforts to pass this enthusiasm on to her children; and
WHEREAS, Bettie Bell transformed her life when she committed herself to her faith at the age of 20 and she enjoyed worship and fellowship with her community at Mount Lebanon Baptist Church in Norfolk for many years; and
WHEREAS, Bettie Bell was ordained as a deacon by the Reverend Dr. Ronnie Joyner and later joined him when he assumed leadership of the Philadelphia Fellowship in Norfolk; and
WHEREAS, Bettie Bell will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by her children, Robert and Anton, and their families, and by numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Bettie Lucille Bell, a cherished member of the Norfolk community whose gift for hospitality and devotion to serving others left a mark on countless lives; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Bettie Lucille Bell as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for her memory.
