Nettie Funderburk Belk

Mrs. Nettie Belk, 82, of Charlotte, NC passed away peacefully at home on October 4, 2012 surrounded by her family. She was born January 6, 1930 in Lancaster County, SC to the late Elma Newman Funderburk and the late Fletcher Ray Funderburk.

Mrs. Belk is survived by her beloved husband of 63 years, Ralph William Belk, Sr.; her son, Ralph William Belk, Jr. (Mary); her daughter, Lee Ellen Turnbull (Jeff); her grandchildren, Ralph William Belk, III, Hillary Angela Belk, Alexandra Victoria Belk, Chase Gardner Belk, Ian Hamilton Turnbull and Lucas Jefferson Turnbull; her sister, Anne Funderburk McManus (Ken); her brothers, Fletcher Ray Funderburk (Bonnie) and Donald Gene Funderburk (Trudy); and numerous nephews, nieces, grand-nephews and grand-nieces.

Because she was the oldest daughter in her family, much of the load of caring for her younger siblings fell on Mrs. Belk, but even with all the washing, ironing, cooking, cleaning and even cotton-picking she found time to enjoy being a kid down on “Big Creek”. Many fond memories of those days were shared over the years with her children and grandchildren.

The work ethic formed at home along with her keen intellect enabled Mrs. Belk to not only graduate from Buford High School and Kings College, but also to complete two full careers. After working for 23 years at Mill Power Supply Company, she joined her husband, Ralph, in the company he founded, Belk Printing Inc. Together they built a business that they were able to pass down to their children when they retired. Belk Printing was a true family business and all the employees who passed through during its 40+ years of existence truly felt that they were part of the Belk family. Even after retirement, Mrs. Belk continued to be involved in the business and loved coming by with her husband to visit with the employees.

Even though Mrs. Belk worked outside the home, she was totally devoted to her family. She took great pride in the accomplishments of her children and doted on her perfect grandchildren who could do no wrong (in her eyes). More than anything, she loved having her family around her and prepared Sunday lunch for them (and any friends lucky enough to get invited) every Sunday for decades. She was a wonderful cook, and along with her sister, Anne McManus, published a cookbook to preserve all of her family’s recipes.

Mrs. Belk will be deeply missed by her family, her friends and all the other people that she touched in her lifetime.

Memorials may be made to Memorial United Methodist Church, 4012 Central Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28205 or Presbyterian Hospice, PO Box 33549 Charlotte, NC 28233.

The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 PM on Sunday, October 7th, at Harry & Bryant Funeral Home, 500 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28207.

A service to celebrate her life will be held on Monday, October 8th, at 11:00 AM at Memorial United Methodist Church, 4012 Central Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28205. Interment will follow the service at Sharon Memorial Park, 5716 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC 28212.