Deaconess Vera Bell Davis

Her Life’s Legacy Deaconess Vera Bell Davis, 87, of Richmond, Virginia transitioned to her heavenly home on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. She was born on August 24, 1938 in Rocky Mount, North Carolina to the late Thomas Bell, Sr. and Josephine Fields Bell. Mrs. Vera Bell Davis attended Nash County Schools, and later attended classes at the Richmond Technical Center and Virginia Commonwealth University. On April 13, 1955 in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Vera married John E. Davis, Jr., the love of her life. The union was blessed with three children, Gail Annette, Terry Denise; and Valencia. Vera and John relocated and made their home in Richmond, Virginia in 1958 after John’s honorable discharge from the United States Army. Vera worked as a Nursing Associate at the Medical College of Virginia – Virginia Commonwealth University for over 30 years. In her last position she worked as a Nursing Associate at the Massey Cancer Center of Virginia Commonwealth University. She was a dedicated worker, especially to the Pediatric Children under her care. Vera was a very kind and caring individual willing to help, and assist when and where-ever she could. Vera accepted Christ at a very early age, and when she and John relocated to Richmond, Virginia they both joined Sharon Baptist Church. She belonged and contributed to several organizations at Sharon including the CB Belcher Usher Board, The Shining Star Gospel Chorus, Deaconess Board, and others. Outside of Church, Vera chaired and belonged to many organizations including Past Worthy Matron of Fannie Lewis #4 OES PHA, Chairman of the Sisters United, and Chairman of the Henrico County Community Outreach, to name a few. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Josephine Bell; husband, John E. Davis, Jr.; daughters, Gail Annettee Davis, and Valencia Davis Goodall; grandson, Daniel A. Goodall, Jr.; siblings, Maggie Batts; Joseph L. Bell, Sr.; Bertha Armstrong; Mary J. Bynum; Thomas Bell, Jr.; Freddie L. Bell; and Peggy J. Overton. To cherish her memories, she leaves a daughter, Terry D. Mayo; son-in-law, Harold W. Mayo; granddaughter, Monica V. Goodall; son-in-law, the Reverend Daniel A. Goodall, Sr. (Michelle); siblings, Deacon James M. Bell, Sr., Mary R. Bell, and Joyce M. Bell; sisters-in-law, Annie Bell and Jean Bell; devoted niece, Willie Mae Artist (Clarence); devoted nephew, David Bynum (Nancy); grand-dog, Mo Mo; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends; adopted brother, Robert Winston (Maude); and adopted sons, Reverend Dr. Irvin Melvin, Reverend Ronnie Fleming, and Deacon Wayne Gilpin. “My Hope Is In Christ Alone”

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Deaconess Vera Bell Davis

August 24, 1938 - July 21, 2026