Biography:
Mary “Francis” Belle was born on January 13, 1946. Known to the family as Francis, was one of six children to the late Nettie and Richard Mack in Lumberton, North Carolina.
Mary attended E. E. Smith High School in Fayetteville, NC. She also attended Fayetteville State University. At the age of 20, Francis followed her sister’s footsteps and migrated to the “Big Apple” where she resided in the Bronx, NY. She pursued a career as a Telephone Operator with Bell Atlantic where she retired after 32 years of service.
On January 1st 1995, Mary married the love of her life, Samuel K. Belle. As united partners they devoted their lives to serving the Lord. They also enjoyed watching CNN, MSNBC, and the Hallmark channels together.
Mary was known for her fun, loving and extremely happy personality. She was an excellent listener and always gave you good advice concerning any matter. She had impeccable penmanship in which she would always write uplifting, spiritual and funny letters to all of her nieces and great nieces at least once a year to state how much she loved them.
Mary was a devoted and dedicated member of St. Augustine Presbyterian Church in which she served faithful until her passing. She was known to her family and friends as a prayer warrior and always made sure everyone was covered in prayer.
Mary was also a faithful member of the church’s Garden Outreach Ministry which she adored dearly. She would spend countless days and hours during the spring and summer growing different types of plants and vegetables. Mary enjoyed perfecting her gardens, everyone in the garden knew better to disturb her garden or over water her plants.
Mary endearing love will live on in the hearts of her precious husband, Samuel K. Belle; sister, Estella Mae Young, Bronx, NY; brother, Stacey Mack, Lumberton, NC and God sister, Jean Spencer, New Jersey.
Mary, was preceded in death by her parents, Nettie and Richard Mack; one brother, Richard Mack Jr. and two sisters, Dora Tatum and Herlyn Neal Mack-Gavin.
On Saturday, January 6th, 2024 at 10:51 am., the Lord called her home. Mary has “fought a good fight, she has finished her race, Mary kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).
