Mary Sue Belk

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Mary Sue Parrish Belk, age 87, of Joplin, passed away on December 25, 2016, at Communities of Wildwood, following an illness.

Mary Sue was born on September 8, 1929 in Joplin, the daughter of the late Arthur and Vera A. Walters. She graduated from Joplin High School in 1947 and received her Education Specialist degree from Pittsburg State University in 1968. She was employed at Vickers in Joplin for thirteen years. She then returned to school and completed her teacher certification. She was employed by Joplin R-8 from 1967 until her retirement in 1997. Mary Sue taught at Lincoln, Memorial and Parkwood High School. She enjoyed five years as a School Psychological Examiner and served later as part-time Special Education Counselor at Parkwood High School.

She married Ted Parrish on May 25, 1954. He preceded her in death on December 16, 1993. Mary Sue married Floyd Belk on December 27, 1996. He survives. In addition to husband, survivors include; a daughter, Shawn Chandler, Carthage, Mo.; two step-sons, Tim and Todd Belk; one granddaughter, Kady Bryant; and two great-grandchildren, Sawyer and Stella.
Floyd and Mary Sue enjoyed traveling and toured Russia, China, Cuba, Italy, Switzerland, Greece, Norway, Machu Picchu Peru and most of the states in the United States.

Mary Sue was and animal lover and loved and protected the many strays and acquired pets over the years. She loved needlework, gardening, reading, and entertaining. She was a former member of AAUW, Beta Sigma Phi, Crisis Intervention Board, and PEO. She was a long-time member of First Baptist Church until her marriage to Floyd. She then attended Byers Avenue United Methodist Church, enjoying the fellowship and functions of the Challenger Sunday School Class.
Mary Sue loved life and wanted her funeral to be a celebration with bright colors worn and no tears shed.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Mason-Woodard Chapel. Reverend Gerald Powley will officiate. Burial will be in Carterville Cemetery.

The visitation will be 6 to 7 p.m. Monday at Mason-Woodard. Memorial contributions may be given to Eden Animal Haven, Brighton, Mo. or Spare Cat Rescue of Joplin in care of the mortuary.
Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.