Helen Dodson Enquist

Helen Dodson Enquist Bell passed away peacefully on December 27, 2020. She was born in New York City, New York on November 20, 1940; the third child of the late Van Buren and Ida C. Dodson. She was educated in the New York City public school system graduating from the High School of Music and Art. She attended New York University-Village Campus. Helen spoke of working at NYU for many years which she thoroughly enjoyed but her true passion came from a 20 year career with American Airlines. She began working in the New York City Reservation office in 1967. She moved through several departments and even relocated with the company opening the Hartford, CT office. She took full advantage of her flight benefits and traveled the world. Her passport was always ready and she spoke of many adventures in particular her trip to Fiji with her brother, to San Francisco with her daughter for lunch as well as the Caribbean, Hawaii, Canada and Europe. Her most beloved trip was a tour to Israel and the Holy Land. She retired after 20 years and worked briefly with a travel agency, the 1990 census and the Department of Income Maintenance. She officially retired in 1994. Her creativity never cease to amaze. She crocheted, knitted and sewed at a professional level with personalize labels “made by Helen, Mom or Grandma.” She was also found on the ladder painting a room, designing a ceiling or on the floor laying tiles. She built shelves and a swing for her sun porch where she passed time reading. She loved dancing, attending concerts, making birthday cakes and having her own holiday. Helen moved to Virginia Beach in 2006 to be closer to her family. Her husband, Richard, followed shortly thereafter. She became a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church where she enhanced her relationship with God. Helen is predeceased in death by her husband, Richard Bell, and her brother, Robert Dodson. She leaves behind her only child Deborah Moore; Son-in-law Derrick Moore; Five grandchildren Steven, Ashley, Derrick, DeAnthony and Deasiah; two great grandchildren Kayden and Alijah; one sister Dorothy; one sister-in-law Loretta; her nieces and nephew Victoria (Valdir), Darlene and Douglas; Great niece and nephew Gabrielle and Bryson and a host of family and friends. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Smith & Williams Funeral Home, Kempsville Chapel. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, January 7, 2021, 2p.m. at Hampton Memorial Gardens, 155 Butler Farm Road, Hampton, VA. Friends may offer condolences at www.smithandwilliamskempsville.com