Mary Rose

Belle

Mary Rose Belle was born in Jackson, North Carolina, on November 14, 1939, to the late June Greene and Susie Patterson-Watson. Raised in Jackson, she was fondly known to her family and friends as Rose and was the third of eight siblings. At a young age, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at Boone's Chapel Baptist Church in Jackson, North Carolina.

After graduating from Gumberry High School, Rose ventured to Englewood, New Jersey, in 1961 to join her sister Mary Martha. Shortly after relocating to New Jersey, her sister Mary Martha introduced her to Curtis Belle Sr., and they later married on December 19, 1964.

Rose's life was profoundly enriched by her two children, Curtis Belle, Jr. and Sheila Belle. She always instilled in her children the importance of Faith and Family. Her quiet strength and gentle demeanor made her a steadfast supporter of her children and was the wind beneath their wings.

As a woman with a heart for service, she worked at Cokesbury Christian Bookstore and later became a Certified Nursing Assistant, where she worked for 38 years at Bergen County Regional Hospital before retiring, Rose was also a member of Friendship Baptist Church since its inception, where she served in the Choir, Kitchen Ministry, Missionary Ministry, and Pastor's Aid Ministry. She also loved cooking and was known for her Sweet Potato Pies, Cakes, Stuffing, Banana Pudding, and Peach Cobbler, just to name a few.

Her life Scripture was Psalm 23:1, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." Some of her favorite sayings were "Thank God for Blessings," "Enjoy Your Life, "That's Your Business," "That's the Word", and "I Am In the Hands of God."

Rose was preceded in death by her parents, June Greene and Susie Patterson-Watson, and six siblings, Johnny Patterson, Mary Martha Green, Paul Watson, Bessie Phillips, Hazel Patterson, and Lucy Patterson.

She leaves to cherish: her husband of almost 60 years, Curtis Belle Sr.; her brother, Prenell Watson; her son, Curtis Belle Jr. (Diana); her daughter, Sheila Belle; and her two granddaughters, KhaDijah Belle and Miya Belle. She is also remembered with deep affection by her sisters-in-law, Magnolia Jones, Ruth Turlington, Charlie Mae Belle, Lois Belle, Sara Belle, and Mary Rose Patterson; one brother-in-law, Floyd Belle; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Rose's life was a testament to her strength, resilience, and unconditional love. Her dedication and enduring legacy of faith will continue to inspire all who knew her. She will be greatly missed and forever loved.