Dorothy Ann "Dot" Bell

UTICA - Dorothy Ann “Dot” Bell, a cherished mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2025. She was born on December 17, 1949, in Clayton, Alabama, to the late Minnie Sanders and Billie Joe Bell. She also knew the love and guidance of a special stepmother, Versie Lee Bell. Dorothy, affectionately known as “Dot,” later moved to Utica, New York, and graduated from Utica Free Academy High School. Throughout her life, Dot worked diligently in many roles, including Mele’s Factory, Kmart, Tehan’s, Zogby Polling, and later retired from both General Electric (GE) and the Sitrin Home. No matter the job, her coworkers remembered her as dependable, gentle-spirited, and kind. Dot embraced life’s simple joys with enthusiasm. She loved bowling, visiting casinos, playing Bingo, enjoying scratch-offs, solving crossword puzzles, and taking short trips around New York State. Her calm, mild-mannered, and docile personality made her easy to love and impossible to forget. Dot is survived by her loving son, Jerome Felton and Nicole; adored daughter, Tanya Felton; affectionate grandchildren, Romeo, Bianca, Noah, Myles, and Danielle; sisters, Linda Sanders Jones, Elaina Bell Arluck, Belinda Bell-Ferguson, Valeria Bell, Janice Bell, Flossie Bell-Lomax, and Jacque Frazier; and brothers, Samuel Sanders, Billie Bell and Damita, and James “Sonny” Bell. Dot held close to her heart the memory of her sister, Sally Mae Sanders, who preceded. She also leaves many nieces, nephews, and extended relatives who adored her, and she cherished her special friends, Mary Wells and Theresa King. Dot’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to her oncologist, Dr. Alicia DeTraglia, and to the nursing and medical staff on the 6th floor of Wynn Hospital in Utica, NY, for their exceptional care and compassion. They also thank The Pines of Utica Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation for the support and kindness shown to Dot during her time there. Dorothy Ann Bell will be remembered for her gentle spirit, quiet strength, and the warmth she brought to the many lives she touched. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South Street, corner of Hammond Ave. Dorothy’s Home Going Service and Celebration of Life will commence at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. For those unable to attend, you may be present virtually at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88644469315. Memorial contributions in Dorothy’s honor may be made to American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Utica online at https://secure.acsevents.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=strides_donate_now&FR_ID=110772; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. This obituary was lovingly written by Dorothy’s family.

Dorothy Ann "Dot" Bell

December 17, 1949 - November 29, 2025