Woodie Henley Bell

Published 6:24 pm Tuesday, May 28, 2024

​​Woodie Henley Bell, 97, of Smithfield passed away on March 16th, 2024. She was the daughter of the late Rudie Maxwell Henley and Lillian Reid Henley.

Woodie is survived by her daughter, Joanne Bell Morris (Kevin), her cherished grandson, Thomas Henley Morris, and a son, Forrest Bell.

 She was born in Princess Anne County May 22nd, 1926 and grew up in Norfolk, graduating from Maury High School class of 44 where she met Albert Forrest Bell, her husband of 64 years. Al passed in 2012 and their son, Larry, in 2011. She is also predeceased by a sister, Mary Henley Barnes, and a brother William Early Henley, both of Norfolk.

After the family moved to Smithfield in the 50s it was not long before Woodie became active in the community and joined the Junior Woman’s Club and The Smithfield Little Theater.

Woodie retired after 28 years with The Cooperative Extension Service. It was a busy retirement – she was a past Regent of the Colonel William Allen Chapter, DAR. Woodie was fond of many bridge friends, enjoyed knitting socks, and keeping up with the latest read.

Woodie was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and her great joy was sending her hand-painted cards from the Gwaltney-Jacquette Circle to shut-ins.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to TUMC, 201 Cedar St, Smithfield, VA 23430, or a charity of your choice.

A memorial service will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church at noon on Saturday, June 8th, 2024, followed by a reception in the FAC of Trinity at 1:00. Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com.