Mrs. Evelyn Rhodes "MeMaw" Belcher died Sept. 20. The daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Noel Jr. (Rosie Lee) Rhodes, she was born in 1942 in Newton County. Mrs. Belcher joined Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, Mansfield, at an early age. She praised God in all four corners of the building, especially from the choir. As a cheerleader for God, she'd tap a pastor or singer on the shoulder to let him know that he was going a good job. Mrs. Belcher retired from C.R. Bard after 17 years and worked as a dietitian at several daycare centers in Newton County. She was preceded in death by a granddaughter Ms. Brandace Marquita Leslie. She called all her grandchildren Boogers and was eagerly anticipating the arrival of her great-grandchild Jordan Jarrod Avery.

Surviving are husband Mr. Willie James ("Doc," "Rope" or "Boot") Belcher; daughters Mrs. Cheryl "Sandy" Hill, Mr. and Mrs. Darrell (Lisa - "Lisa Mae") Baker, Mr. and Mrs. Frank (Cindy - "Cimmachelle") Morgan; grandchildren Brandon Marquel Leslie, Candace Nicole Leslie, Darrius Terrell Baker, Ashley Nichelle Morgan, Christopher DaRel Baker; step-grandson Victor Rashad Hill; brothers Mr. and Mrs. Jessie (Pierina) Rhodes, Mr. and Mrs. Marion (Margaret) Rhodes; sisters Mr. and Mrs. Robert (Irene - "Reena") Winbush, Ms. Yvonne (Bunny) Jackson; devoted family friend Mr. James Jackson; a host of nieces, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sept. 24 at Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, Mansfield, with the Rev. Benjamin Franklin Jr. officiating. Interment followed at Bethel Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, Mansfield.