Lucy Ann Vipperman Bell, 94, of Rural Retreat, VA, passed away May 8, 2024. She was born February 27, 1930, in Atkins, VA, the daughter of the late Daniel Lee Vipperman and the late Ida Frances Clark Vipperman. Lucy was one of ten children, the oldest of which died in infancy. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 34 years, Glen (Skeekee) Bell, one son, Dale Bell, and one granddaughter, Chauncey Bell, both of Dublin, VA. Lucy was also preceded in death by two brothers Charles Vipperman and Willard Vipperman both of Rural Retreat as well as one sister Shirley Brandau of Lake Wales, Florida.

Lucy grew up on farms in Atkins and Rural Retreat. Later while working at the Rural Retreat shirt factory (JC Freezer), she married, moved to Atkins, and became a homemaker and mother. In 1957 her young family including two boys moved to Parsonage Avenue in Rural Retreat which became her permanent home until she passed. After raising two sons and one daughter, her husband passed after a brief illness in 1986. With her children raised and her being left alone, she reentered the workforce and began work in food services at Birdmont/Carrington Place in Wytheville where she worked until the age of 74.

She is survived by two children, one son, Pat Bell (and wife Gail) of Rural Retreat, and one daughter, Jeanne Fowler (and husband Danny) of Wytheville, VA, and daughter-in-law Inga Bell of Dublin, VA. Also surviving are five grandchildren, Seth Bell (and wife Amanda, and great-grandsons Uriah, and Titus, arriving soon) of Marshville, NC, Chad Bell (and wife Taylor and great-granddaughter Lydia, and great- grandson Austin) of Dublin, VA, Mark Fowler (and wife Nicole) of Pulaski, VA, Erin Wood (and husband Patrick, and great-grandson Eric of Midlothian, VA, and Danielle Fowler, of Wytheville, VA.

Late in life, after Lucy's health began to fail, the brightest moments and her greatest joy was experienced while visiting with her sisters and brother, and visiting her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Lucy is also survived by one brother and four sisters, Dan Vipperman, Jr of Foley, AL, Frances Dabney of Wilmington, NC, Norma Hale of Galax, VA, Betty Snapp of Richmond, VA, and Becky Winesett of Galax, VA. Many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Lucy loved her Lord and was a longtime member of Cedar Bluff Baptist Church, in Atkins, VA. She truly loved her church and church family. Glen and Lucy were faithful followers of Christ, and were faithful to the words of Joshua 24:15 "But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord". Lucy has now been reunited with members of her family, including those church members who preceded her into their heavenly home.

Funeral services will be held May 13 at Cedar Bluff Baptist Church, Atkins, VA with Pastor Justin Hall officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00-1:00 prior to services. Interment will follow in Rosewood Memorial Gardens, Rural Retreat.

Flowers will be appreciated, or memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family online at www.highlandfuneralservice.com.

Lindsey Funeral Home in Rural Retreat is serving the Bell family.