Mary Malloy Bell
September 15, 1925 – January 24, 2025
For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, just as I also have been fully known. – I Corinthians 13:12
So shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
– I Thessalonians 4:18
With love and gratitude, we remember and celebrate the remarkable life of Mary Malloy Bell. Born on September 15, 1925, in Bennettsville, South Carolina, to Zilphy Malloy and Orville Woods, Mary grew up alongside her beloved siblings: George, Gene, Sally, and Ruth.
Mary was married to Dr. Fred S. Ferguson, with whom she shared two sons, Dr. Fred S. Ferguson, Jr. and Captain Robert A. Ferguson. She was a dedicated and accomplished professional, serving in the U.S. Federal Government for many years, where she excelled in various leadership roles. Throughout her career, she was recognized with numerous awards and accolades. She held many significant positions, including serving as a director at the Pentagon, where she was honored as Federal Woman of the Year while working under Donald Rumsfeld, Director of The Office of Equal Opportunity. She also contributed to the Cost-of-Living Council for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and later retired in 1979 after serving as Program Director of Conservation and Solar Application for the Department of Energy.
After retirement, Mary embraced life fully, settling in Fredericksburg, VA, where she built lasting friendships and enjoyed playing cards and golf, even serving as a Golf Course Marshal. She cherished time spent with family, especially at her condo in Hilton Head, a place filled with love, laughter, and treasured memories. Family was always at the heart of Mary’s life, leading her to move to the Eagles Nest Community in Chesapeake to be closer to her loved ones.
Mary’s legacy lives on through her family:
- Dr. Fred S. Ferguson (Harriette), their children Tessa and Taylor, and grandchildren Ava and Kaia
- Captain Robert A. Ferguson (Joyce), their children Eric (Melissa) and Jill Ferguson Wright (Michael), and grandchildren Payton, Logan, Parker, and Amber.
- Her cherished nieces and nephews: Shirley McKenzie (Mac), Linda Michaud (Jean), Sandra Chapman, Tommy Pinkert (Carmine), Eugene Malloy Jr., and many more extended family members and dear friends, including Gloria, Nita, Jimmy, Pat Rose and John Ortman.
Mary is reunited in peace with her siblings Sally, Ruth, George, and Eugene, as well as her second husband, Walter Bell, and lifelong best friend, Yvonne Hopkins, who once shared a beautiful memory of Mary, one that will continue to inspire and bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.
“What you see is an attractive woman who smiles and wears her clothes well. But that’s just one side of this versatile one whom we all know as Mary Bell. I could write a book of the things she’s done to relieve someone’s hurt and sorrow. And she’d never tell of the money she’s spent for someone’s better tomorrow.
She’s also a wonderful Mother, she’s known pain and anguish and strife. She’s a successful woman who’s never lost touch with persons in all walks of life. She can run an office with deftness and skill and converse with the greatest of men. Yest this same Mary Bell is just as adept at painting her kitchen or den.
She’s a talented seamstress, makes most of her clothes; fixes gourmet meals when she wants to. In fact, I find there are very few things that my friend, Mary Bell cannot do. She’s humorous and full of life and fun to be around. Her vibrancy can lift one up when one is feeling down.
She lives her religion daily. Says she owes her success to the Lord. Who guides her every footstep and keeps her life in accord. She expects nothing in return for making someone’s life worth living. She knows that God has blessed her and she finds great joy in giving.
I have a personal affection for this person called Mary Bell. She’s been my friend for many years, and my family loves her as well. That’s why today, as Mary Retires from years of Service, well done. I decided that I would like to share my feelings with everyone.
Each of you knows how she’s touched your lives, how she’s helped to improve your plight. You know her as sensitive and kind, attractive, witty and bright. You know her as loving and caring and faithful to the end. But I’m doubly blessed for I also can claim that she’s my very best friend.”
-Yvonne Hopkins
(Dempsey, Gloria, Nita, and Jim too)
Mary’s presence brought warmth, wisdom, and strength to all who had the privilege of knowing her. She leaves behind a legacy of dedication, kindness, and unwavering love for family and friends. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered in our hearts.
Arrangements are being handled by the Cremation Society of Virginia. A private gravesite service for family will be held at a later date. Condolences for the family may be sent to www.vacremationsociety.com