Obituary
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“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”
2 Timothy 4:7
Mother Belle Elizabeth Smith Stilley Lanier was born in Craven County on July 24, 1957, to the parentage of George and Amanda Smith of Pamlico County. Belle fought the good fight, she finished the race, and she kept the faith, then she entered eternal rest with her Heavenly Father on Monday, January 13, 2025, surrounded by her dedicated husband and faithful son.
Belle was formerly of Bayboro, North Carolina, she relocated to Danville, Virginia in May of 2009. Tall in statue, this Gentle Giant of a Woman was the baby of the family. She received her education in the schools of Pamlico County. She was reared in a Christian home, Belle dedicated her life to Christ at an early age. She grew up singing in the youth choir of Antioch United Church of Christ, Maribel community, then becoming a dedicated member of Miracle Life Tabernacle, Reelsboro, NC until her health deteriorated. She was a dedicated member of Refuge Apostolic Deliverance, under the leadership of Apostle Annie Barrow, Aurora, North Carolina. Even though she could not attend church physically she would interact with church online.
Belle met the love of her life and was united in Holy Matrimony to Mr. Alfred “Fuzz” Lanier whom she loved dearly.
“It is more blessed to give than receive” Acts 20:35 speaks volumes to Mother Belle because she truly knew that it was more blessed to give than to receive. Her generosity knew no bounds, she would give her very last to anyone who was in need. Belle loved cooking with a passion, her Angel eggs, Collard Greens, Chitterlings & Chocolate Cake were her specialty.
Belle was a very generous and strong-willed woman who truly loved God and her family. She had a very special relationship with all her nieces and nephews, she truly loved them, even helping to raise them.
Belle was preceded in death by her parents: George and Amanda Smith; Sister Janet Bryant; nieces and nephews Jovita, Babyboy, Antwan & Donald “Daffy” Smith.
She leaves to forever cherish her memory her loving and faithful husband Alfred Lanier of the residence; A loving son, Minister Bobby Robinson of the residence; one sister, Virginia Smith of Bayboro, NC; three brothers, Johnnie Smith of Bayboro, NC, Donald Smith (Sheila) and George Bryant (Dorothy) of New Bern, NC; two bonus sons, Adolph Moore of Washington, DC, Leo Lanier (Erica) of Danville, Virginia; A bonus daughter Rita (James) of Texas; two aunts, Kate Jones of Maribel, NC and Louidell Smith of New Bern, NC; four sister in laws, Zelma, Elaine, Doroty and Evelyn all of VA; three brother-in- laws, James, Leroy and Walter all of Virginia; sister of the heart Penny; three daughters of the heart, Latoya Robertson, Delores Crews & Georgette Grady; Grandchildren of the heart, Curtis Barnett and Yeala Walls and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and friends.
Farewell to our beloved Wife, Mother, Sister, Niece, Auntie, Cousin & Friend.
Celebration of Life service will be held at 12:00 noon on Friday, February 28, 2025 from the chapel of J.L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment, 447 Old South Main Street, Danville, Virginia. Apostle Bobby Robinson, Eulogist.
A public viewing will be held on Thursday, February 27, 2025 from 6:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. at J. L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment- Danville Virginia.The family is asked to assemble at the funeral establishment on the day of the service at 11:45 a.m.
Masks are required at all visitations and services. / Service may be viewed by Live Stream at
/https://www.jldodsonandsons.com/LiveStream http://www.facebook.com/jldodsonandsons
Professional funeral services have been entrusted to the staff of the J.L. Dodson and Son Funeral Establishment, 447 Old South Main St. Danville, Va., Bishop Jeffrey L. Dodson, Sr.,
Funeral Director., Elder Monica Martin, Funeral Directress. 434.799.9262
Online condolences may be registered at www.jldodsonandsons.com. “Our Family Servicing
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