Frances Bull Belote

0
559

Mrs. Frances Bull Belote, 90, passed away peacefully Wednesday, June 9, 2021, at the home of her granddaughter, Jennifer, in Pocomoke City, Md.

Born Jan. 9, 1931, at the Bull family home in Oak Hall, Frances was the fifth child of her parents, Wallace Kenneth and Dorothy Agnes Thornton Bull. Their father was the Lecato Station Master for Pennsylvania Railroad in Oak Hall for over 40 years and their mother was quite active in Downings United Methodist Church, Oak Hall, also playing the organ for over 50 years.

Frances was often a forerunner … valedictorian of her 1948 graduating class of Atlantic High School; awarded a full scholarship in math from the University of Pennsylvania (nearly unheard of for a “girl”); one of the first to operate the teletype machine for NASA, Wallops Island; and one of first two women in the state of Virginia to be chosen for a position in the engineering department of C&P Telephone to analyze and assign cable installation (the first on the Delmarva Peninsula). Upon retirement from C&P after almost 35 years, she began a business partnership with her lifelong friend, Jessie Gillespie, and hung their shingle as Belote and Gillespie Tax & Accounting Service. Upon the death of Jessie, Belote Tax & Accounting Service continued on with a few chosen clients until 2010, with Frances nearing the age of 80.

A lifelong resident of Accomack County, minus a few short years in Richmond, Frances moved to Pocomoke City in 2011, living with her daughter, Susan, remarking how strange it was leaving the Commonwealth. She loved sitting on the back porch rocking chairs listening to the country sounds and watching the day turn into night, speaking about its peacefulness.

Frances loved to dance the jitterbug and swing. She and her tall, dark, and handsome husband, Paige Belote, could really “cut a rug,” as they always said. Scrabble games, board games of all types, serious Rook contests, and Bull family picnics were all part of her life. Possessing a beautiful first soprano voice, she led singing many times in the choir she loved at the fellowship she attended and at Downings Methodist. An avid seamstress, she made many of her and her childrens’ clothes, including formal and semi-formal gowns, a junior bridesmaid dress, and going away outfits. She also discovered talent for painting, watercolor preferred, and became part of the famous Donnie Sparrow art classes. Though it was rumored they mostly met for wine and conversation, some beautiful watercolors adorn her family’s walls and shelves.

Her surviving family members include three daughters, Susan Buckle Pusey, Lisa Belote Chance Richardson (Dave), and Kimberly Belote Thornes, all of Pocomoke City; nine grandchildren, Todd Allen Pusey, of Pocomoke City, Mark Paige Pusey (Kari), of Pocomoke City, Jennifer Susan Pusey Clayton (George), of Pocomoke City, Michelle Ellen Pusey McCurdy, of Huntersville, N.C., Lauren Elizabeth Chance Morgan (Billy), of Pocomoke City, Amy Paige Chance Green, of Ventura, Calif., Jacob Custis Chance (Monica), of Atlantic, Phillip Hannison Thornes (Kelsea), of Stockton, Md., and Hunter Paige Thornes (Caitlin), of Pocomoke City; 18 great-grandchildren with another expected soon; two great-great-grandchildren; and nine nieces and nephews.

Other than her parents, Frances was predeceased by her husband, Arthur Paige Belote Jr.; a son-in-law, Tommy Lee Chance; four sisters; two brothers; and inlaws, Nina Bull Phillips (Pep), Agnes Bull Taylor (Eldred), Dorothy Bull Farrell (Charles), Audrey E. Bull, Wallace K. Bull Jr., and Avery Sheldon Bull (Joan); niece, Barbara Lois Taylor; nephews, E. Thomas Taylor, his wife, Rosalie Taylor Daley, and Ted Phillips; and beloved cousins, aunts, and uncles.

The family is at peace believing Frances accepted Christ as Lord prior to her death and the peacefulness of her eternal life is sealed.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Coastal Hospice for their respectful, loving care, support, and friendship extended to all of them.

The passing of Frances Bull Belote brings the end of an era for the beloved Bull Family, of Oak Hall, as she is the last of them. The last sibling, cousin, aunt, mother, and grandmother. They are grateful for the love and many wonderful memories that remain with them.

A Celebration of Life for Frances will be held Saturday, July 10, 2021, at 5 p.m., at the home of her daughter, Susan Buckle Pusey, located at Friendship Farm, 32739 Peach Orchard Road, Pocomoke City, Md.

Arrangements are in the care of Holloway Funeral Home, P.A., 107 Vine St., Pocomoke City, MD 21851.

To send condolences to the family, please visit www.hollowayfh.com

Previous articlePhotos: Accomac Independence Day Parade
Next articleLowell Glenn Hash Jr.