Shirley Oneil Frady Bell

Shirley Oneil Frady Bell was born September 22, 1935, in Lynchburg, Virginia and died April 28, 2026, in Madison Heights, Virginia. She was the daughter of the late Emanuel Asbury Frady and the late Louise Burford Frady, and the loving wife of the late Robert Wilson Bell for 69 years.

 In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law, William and Geraldine Beck, her brother-in-law Reuben Harris Garrett, and her nephew Stanley Harris Garrett. 

She is survived by her sister Mary F. Garrett; nieces Lisa A. Garrett and her husband James Moyer, Bettye J. Garrett, Debi J. Southern and her husband Dennis, and Teresa L. Navarro; her nephew Frederick W. Beck and wife Robin; and several great nieces and nephews. 

Shirley had a warm laugh and genial sense of humor. She enjoyed family gatherings in addition to time with friends and neighbors. In her youth, she loved traveling to see family in Arizona, California, and Florida where she had several memorable adventures, including an acquired love of fishing. Shirley enjoyed watching collegiate sports, especially Virginia Tech football, baseball, tennis, and women’s basketball. 

Shirley was known by many for her natural beauty, grace, elegance, and striking blue eyes. Yet she was always humble with a tender heart. Even in times of need, she was more concerned for the welfare of others than for herself. 

Her church family at Madison Heights Baptist, as well as her neighbors, have been supportive of her in countless ways. This is especially true of Maurice “Skeeter” and Sarah Ramey, who were instrumental in her care, exemplifying Christ’s command to love thy neighbor as thyself, for which Shirley’s family is most grateful. 

A funeral service officiated by Rev. Josh Beeler will take place Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 3:00 pm at Madison Heights Baptist Church, with a visitation preceding from 2:00 to 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Madison Heights Baptist Church, Madison Heights, Virginia.

Tharp Funeral Home, Madison Heights, is assisting the family.