Adelaide Mary Belk

Loving mother, caring sibling, believer, welcoming host, first to volunteer, whip-smart financial pro. These are just a few ways we knew and loved Adelaide Mary Barren Belk, who was called to heaven on March 9, 2019.

Born on Oct. 11, 1946 in Cleveland, Ohio to Robert J. and Mary Goss Barren, her strength, determination and spirit of caring for others was rooted in her parents, an Army major and a devoted nurse. Their service took the family across the country and to Okinawa, Japan. In 1964, Adelaide graduated from Ysleta High in El Paso, Texas. Adelaide raised three wonderful children, juggling up to three jobs to provide for the family across New Mexico and Texas, eventually settling in Euless, Texas.

Adelaide became a Certified Public Accountant and started an accounting career that spanned over 45 years. After many years working for others as a bookkeeper, she started Jeryco Industries with some of her closest friends and retired in 2008.

Adelaide and her siblings were taught to believe in themselves and in the importance of goodness. She used these beliefs to guide her in how she cared for her own children and extended family. She extended love to everyone who crossed her path. It never mattered what the person looked like, how they spoke, religious beliefs or education. All that mattered was that they were a good person. It was that simple.

Adelaide was the ultimate caregiver. If a friend was sick, she was the first to volunteer to drive them. She held your hand to make you feel safe. If you needed help with taxes or bookkeeping, she jumped in.

Adelaide’s personality shined. She was quick with a laugh or a quip and was always willing to lend an ear to a friend. She also loved to have fun. Take her to a casino or a race, put a margarita in her hand and watch her smile light up the room.

She joined Compass Church in 2000 and was called to be a Stephen Minister in 2014. Counseling women through this ministry, she discovered that God had brought her along this journey to give back. Studying scripture deepened her faith and brought her peace.

Adelaide leaves a legacy of care, selflessness, and faith, that we all can look to follow, as we celebrate a life well lived.

Treasuring her memory are children Thomas Sanders and wife Monica of Liberty Hill, TX, James Sanders and wife Jennifer of Leander, TX and Sandra Goodman and husband Nicholas of Denver, CO; siblings, Pamela Talley and husband Thomas of Southlake, TX, Robert J. Barren and wife Barbara of Seattle, WA, Harry J. Barren and wife Barbara of El Paso, TX, and Philip R. Barren and wife Vicki of White Hall, AR; grandchildren, Shayna Sanders, Kacie Sanders and Laramie Sanders; nieces and nephews, Christopher Talley, Robert John Barren III, Scott Talley, Jessica Barren Rozal, Paul Barren and Lisa Barren. And, of course, the beloved Cuddles, a Havanese named after her father’s adoring nickname for Mary.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Adelaide to Gatehouse Grapevine, gatehousegrapevine.com.