Lina "Joyce" Smith Bell

Lina “Joyce” Smith Bell, 82, formerly of Swoope, VA departed this life January 13th, 2022 at the University of Virginia Medical Center.

Joyce, affectionally known as “Ma” and “Grandma” was born on March 17th, 1939 in Staunton Va, to the late David A. Smith and Julia Ann Carter Smith. She attended Booker T. Washington High School in Staunton, VA, where she was a star Basketball player. She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Augusta Street United Methodist Church and later became a dedicated member of Allen Chapel AME Church.

She was Co-owner and operator with her husband, of Bell’s Bakery in Philadelphia, PA from 1968-1972, and Rolling Pin Pastries in Staunton, VA from 2002-2016.

Joyce enjoyed Cooking, Drawing, Reading her Bible, Recycling, Watching Sports and Fishing with her husband. Family was Most Important to Joyce and she was the Matriarch of hers, being a truly devoted Wife, Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma, and Great-Great Grandma. She loved caring for and spending time with her loved ones, her Grandchildren, Great-Grandchildren and Great-Great Grandchild and she was a Foster Mother for over 20 years. She never met a stranger and was always willing to help and go out of her way to do for others.   

Joyce was the last surviving member of her immediate family and was preceded in death by Eight Brothers and Two Sisters; She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Husband of over 63 years, Richard L. Bell; Two loving and devoted Daughters, Julia (Roger) and Joyce (Wilbert); a loving and devoted Granddaughter/Daughter, LaShaunda Roberson; Five sons, Richard, Darren, David, Michael and Antoine; a devoted Grandson/Son, Christopher Roberson; Thirty-One Grandchildren, Forty-Six Great-Grandchildren, One Great-Great Grandchild, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as Two special, devoted friends, Shirley Rhodes and June Brown.   

“Love one another as I have loved you” John 13:34

“Her children rise up and call her Blessed” Proverbs 31:28

Pallbearers will be Sons and Grandsons

Celebration of Life Services will be Private and the family asks that anyone wishing to send or deliver cards, flowers or other items, to please respect the family’s privacy and either send through mail or drop off and go, at 131 Buckboard Rd. Waynesboro Va, 22980.

Please share your memories and condolences at charltonandgroomefuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lina "Joyce" Smith Bell, please visit our floral store.