BIOGRAPHY

Virginia Bell, originally Virginia Phillips, was born in North View, Mecklenburg County, Virginia on 29 January 1914. She was a devout member of North View Baptist Church and received education up to the seventh grade. On 28 November 1934, she married Henry Wilbur Bell, and together they raised four children (two sons and two daughters).

Living off their own land, the Bell family cultivated tobacco and various food crops. Virginia dedicated herself to homemaking, tending her flower garden, and caring for the lawn. She prepared meals for her family using a wood stove, with favorites such as coconut pies and fried chicken.

It was reported that Bell was admired by her loved ones for her humility and kindness. Her unwavering faith in God led her to remain devoted to attending church throughout her life. In the 1980s, she donated a stained glass window to her church during its renovation.

In her later years, Bell found pleasure in solving puzzles and creating crocheted afghans. Following her husband’s passing in 1997, she remained independent until the age of 100, when she decided to move to an assisted living facility in South Hill. There, she actively engages in socializing and regularly participates in facility activities.

Her family credits her longevity to several factors, such as her sense of humor, her diet rich in vegetables, and her consistent engagement in physical activity. It was reported that she had never undergone surgery or experienced any major illnesses throughout her life.

Two days before her 110th birthday, she received visits from her church’s pastor and the mayor of South Hill. At the time, she had eight grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

Two days before her 110th birthday, she received visits from her church’s pastor and the mayor of South Hill. At the time, she had eight grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

RECOGNITION

Her age has not been validated by LongeviQuest.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Happy 108th birthday!” – SoVaNOW, 2 February 2022

* “Bell celebrates 110 years” – The News Progress, 30 January 2024

GALLERY