Mrs. Belk passed away at her home in Charlotte on August 2, 2008, after a courageous and lengthy battle with cancer. Anne is survived by her adoring husband, Carl Grotnes Belk, her two children, David and Patricia, and her mother, Patricia R. Sharpe, all of Charlotte. She was predeceased by her father, Albert M. Sharpe of Lumberton, NC. She is also survived by her siblings, Henry Reynolds III of Pawleys Island, SC, Kathryn Reynolds Phillips of Richmond, VA, and Leigh Reynolds King of Florence, SC; her in-laws, Irwin and Carol Belk of Charlotte, NC, her husband's siblings, many nieces, nephews and cousins, and countless special friends.
Anne was born in Greensboro, NC, and grew up in Lumberton, NC. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in Accounting. At UNC, she was Membership Chairperson and Alumni Relations Chairperson of Kappa Delta Sorority. After graduation Anne worked as a Certified Public Accountant and Recruiter for a major accounting firm in Charlotte, but retired early in order to devote her time to her husband and raising her two children.
Anne was actively involved in the Charlotte community. She served as Vice President of Finance and Treasurer of the Junior League of Charlotte. She was a member of the board of directors for the Charlotte Latin School and did various volunteer work for the school. The Anne R. Belk Theater in the Performing Arts Center at UNC-Charlotte was named in her honor. As an avid tennis player, she found a home with her B-team tennis group. She was also involved in numerous other community organizations, especially in the area of finance and bookkeeping.
Anne had an unwavering and abiding faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. A devout Christian, Anne was active with her prayer group and was core group leader in her Community Bible Study. She served on the board of Proverbs 31 and was past Chairman of the Evangelism Commission at a local church. Anne was also a Sunday school teacher and did significant other volunteer work at her church. She was a member of Church at Charlotte.
Even through the most difficult of times, Anne's faith always remained constant and strong, and she was truly able to be joyful in all things. During her illness, her journal on www.caringbridge.org/visit/annebelk provided inspiration to thousands. In May 2008, she was honored for her strength and faith when she received the Sarcoma Foundation of America Courage Award.
Funeral services will be held at the Church of Charlotte on Tuesday, August 5 at 3:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Church at Charlotte, 2500 Carmel Road, Charlotte, NC 28226 or Charlotte Latin School, 9502 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28277.
Anne's Psalm (April 24, 2008)
'Hallelujah! Praise Yahweh! Praise God! Though I walk through darkness, my Lord lights my path. Though fear and worry surround me, my Lord shows me the way. Though sickness has not left me my Lord holds my hand. Though doubt creeps in my mind, my Lord lifts me and carries me. He is my strength when I am weak. He never leaves me. His love surrounds me. I praise His Holy Name. To focus on my Lord, I receive the peace He offers me. I praise His Holy Name.' Harry & Bryant Company is assisting the Belk Family.
To view online, go to www.charlotteobserver.com.