Janet Kathryn (Farris) Belk

Janet Kathryn Farris Belk of Fayetteville, NC passed away peacefully in her home Thursday, December 2, 2021. She was 84 years at the time of her passing.

Jan was born in Boonville, MO on June 20, 1937. She was the fourth of six raised by hard working farmers, Hargrove H. Farris and Eula V. Honerbrink Farris. A foundation of hard work instilled strength and perseverance, cultivating a self-sufficient "never quit" work ethic with high standards for herself and others.

These attributes were essential for her academic career. In 1965, ten years after her high school graduation, marriage and the birth of first born son, Paul, Jan earned her Bachelor's in Home Economics from University of Missouri, and began her professional career as a   Registered Dietician. Jan and her husband, Ken relocated to Fayetteville in 1972 through military assignment. Shortly afterwards, Jan obtained employment with the Cumberland County Schools in Child Nutrition where she worked for 27 years.

Jan made a home in Fayetteville for nearly 50 years as a strong, independent, do-it-herself woman with a variety of talents and interests. An accomplished crafter, her hobbies included sewing, cooking, needle point, and cross-stitch. She also enjoyed walking and water aerobics. She excelled in home improvement and taught herself woodworking of all sorts. Discovering an innate ability for so many of her interests, she loved her table saw as much as she loved her Kitchen-Aid mixer.

Enjoying the benefits of FTCC's generous senior program, she took classes in Auto Body, Japanese Cooking, and Real Estate. After retirement, Jan never let her mind tire. Jan was an avid reader and she performed tax preparation through MRP for 1O years "for fun".   Jan maintained her hobbies by entering projects into fairs, collecting dozens of ribbons. Jan also loved to share her passions and talents with others; she found great value in teaching homeschooled students to master tools like the sewing machine and scroll saw. She loved her tools, but had a gentle touch as well: Jan was a master gardener, spending hours tending to the Cape Fear Botanical Garden.

Exploration was yet another of her interests. Traveling for work and pleasure, she visited dozens of US states and after retirement she continued that passion for exploration. A few trips held a special place in her heart including Niagara Falls, Hawaii, the Caribbean Islands, China, Turkey, and a mission trip to Peru.

Out of all of her accomplishments, her family and friends were her greatest. She would light up for her children, grands, and greats. She took such a deep caring interest in friends as well. Friends would consistently marvel at her memory for detail.

The last years, Jan had a focus and passion for sharing Christ with others. She loved to pray for and point them to her Savior. She had deep gratitude for the place He found her and dearly longed to bring others to Him. Jan finally got her wish and heart's desire Thursday morning. She made it to the finish line as a good and faithful servant. She has no more pain and suffering, and now lives with her Dear Savior Jesus.

She was preceded in death by her husband LT COL Kenneth E Belk as well as her brothers Earl, Don, and Ken, and her sister Barbara, and survived by her brother Jim. Jan is also survived by children Paul K Belk, Susan and Charles Van Wyk, and Kenny and Anita Belk. She also leaves behind grandchildren Majesta and Will Hovingh, their daughters Hazel and Macie; Larissa and Joe Kosten, their children Ellie, Rylie, and Kaleb; and her youngest grandchild, Celesta Van Wyk.

Per Jan's request, the family is using the services of Cape Fear Crematory of . Stedman, NC. Service time will be announced after the holidays.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family kindly requests considering support for: Fayetteville Area Operation Inasmuch

531 Hillsboro Street

Fayetteville, NC 28301

The Care Clinic

239 Robeson Street

Fayetteville, NC 28301

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