Mabel Belk

There are those who give and know not pain in giving, nor do they seek joy, nor give with mindfulness of virtue They give as in yonder valley the myrtle breathes its fragrance into space. Through the hands of such as these God speaks, and from behind their eyes He smiles upon the earth. Kahlil Gibran
Mabel Belk died while taking her rest on March 16, 2013. She would have celebrated her 82nd birthday on May 12, 2013. She was born Mabel Estelle Thompson in Pierces Chapel near Jacksonville, Texas. The youngest of 6 children, Mabel was recently preceded in death by her big brother Charles Thompson of Texas City her only surviving sibling is her sister Mary Ruth who lives in California.
Mabel is also preceded in death by her beloved husband of 60 years, Leonard Belk of Texas City. Together, Mabel Leonard had two children, Linda Sue and Michael Leonard. On September 1, 2008, Linda Belk Cochrane died of cancer and 10 days later, Mabels dear husband Leonard died in his sleep on the eve of Hurricane Ike. She is survived by her son Mike Belk of Texas City.
Also surviving Mabel are three grandchildren, Brandy Belk and Andrew Brett Cochrane, one grandchild in love, Ellie Nannen, and seven great grandchildren. In addition to the immediate family, Mabel also leaves behind her friend, unofficially adopted daughter and caretaker, Dianna Sissy Deggs. At the time Mabel lost her daughter and her husband, Sissy lost her home in Galveston to the storm. For the last 5 years, Mabel and Sissy have nurtured and sustained each other in Mabels home in Texas City and the family wants to thank Dianna for being there for Mabel.
Besides being a homemaker and raising a family, Mabel spent many years working at the Mainland Pharmacy. During the early 1970s she and Leonard moved to Pennsylvania for several years while Leonard worked on the construction of the 3 Mile Island Power plant. When they returned to Texas City in 1976, Mabel began working at the Anticipation Tree. Mabel commented that she had watched many of Texas Citys residents grow up as they came and went through Mainland Pharmacy, and then watched many of those same children bring their children to shop for clothing.
Mabel had a wide variety of hobbies and pastimes throughout her life. She was an avid and somewhat talented painter and enjoyed arts and crafts, especially her work in Brazilian embroidery. She greatly enjoyed the group of friends that would gather to play Bunco and was an active member of her church.
A visitation will be held for Mabel on Wednesday, March 20, 2013 from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Her funeral service will be on Thursday, March 21, 2013 at 1:00 P.M. All services will be held at Emken Linton Funeral Home in Texas City. She will be laid to rest alongside Leonard in Forest Park East Cemetery in Webster.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Lung Association, 2030 North Loop West, Suite 250, Houston, TX 77018 or the Alzheimers Association, 2242 W. Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 770302008.

Visitation

EmkenLinton Funeral Home
5100 Emmett F. Lowry Expressway
Texas City, TX  77591
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

Service

Service

EmkenLinton Funeral Home
5100 Emmett F. Lowry Expressway
Texas City, TX  77591
Thursday, March 21, 2013
1:00 P.M.

Cemetery

Forest Park East
21620 Gulf Freeway
Webster, TX  77598

Memorial Contributions

2242 W. Holcomb Blvd.
Houston, TX  77030-2008


2030 North Loop West, Suite 250
Houston, TX  77018