Virginia Berkeley Edwards Bell

Having lived a good life as a daughter, only child, wife, Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother Virginia Berkeley Edwards Bell passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at the age of 102 years on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. Virginia was born in Gastonia, North Carolina to Harold DeLoach and Lucile Meredith Edwards. After graduating from Gastonia High School, she received a BA in Music from Converse College and pursued further violin instruction at the Juilliard School. After playing in the North Carolina Symphony she moved to Portsmouth, Virginia to teach music in the school system. One Sunday, while playing the violin during a Monumental Methodist Church service she caught the eye of Joseph S. Bell, Jr. Soon, they were husband and wife. Before long they welcomed two sons, Sumner and Harold. After Joe’s death in 2007, Virginia moved to Harbor’s Edge where she made many new friends and remained in touch with her old ones. She enjoyed music her entire life and played the violin with and for others into her nineties, putting the instrument down in her one hundredth year. As a Parent, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother she encouraged and generously supported rigorous education and musical instruction of her progeny while keeping her sense of humor and at times turning a not so deaf ear. Virginia had a refined sense of humor and was an excellent conversationalist, usually asking many questions. She had a particular sense of style and enjoyed selecting and wearing her clothing and jewelry. Virginia is survived by her two sons J Sumner Bell III, MD and wife Susan Harrison Bell, Harold Edwards Bell, Esq. and his wife Jean Barnard Bell; five Grandchildren Joseph S Bell IV and wife Alyssa Champagne, Harrison Bell, Meredith Cappelleti and her husband Giacomo Cappelleti, Jack Bell, David Bell; and, six great-grandchildren. Virginia and her family appreciated the kindness and exceptional care provided by the Staff of Harbor’s Edge and her special friends Beth, Cannon, Phyllis, The Reverend Doctor Jean Bozeman, and Martha. Burial will be held privately with the family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Clinical Faculty of the Department of Medicine of Eastern Virginia Medical School in honor of Drs. Tom Manser and Jim Dixon or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be offered at www.lovingfuneralhome.com