Carolyn Sue Belcher's Obituary
Carolyn Sue Belcher, an active member of the Lakeland community and a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother died on April 22, 2024 with loved ones by her side. She was born on February 6, 1946 to George and Margarett Siegel in Chicago, Illinois.
She received a Dental Hygiene degree and B.S. from Loyola University and a Masters in Dental Hygiene Education from the University of Kansas.
In the book stacks of the University of Kansas library, she met her future husband, James Belcher and after graduation, the two were married and off to sunny Lakeland, Florida to begin their lives together for the next 47 years.
Carolyn taught Dental Assisting and Hygiene at Valencia College in Orlando and Travis Technical College in Lakeland, Florida. While working at Travis, she was a driving force in accrediting the program with the American Dental Association.
In October of 1977, she gave birth to Christopher James Belcher and in January of 1980 to Jennifer Ellen Belcher. She was a loving and dedicated mother who volunteered as Parent-Teacher Association president, room mother and fund raiser for Carlton Palmore Elementary and Lawton Chiles Middle School.
Carolyn quickly warmed a room with her charisma, energy, and contagious laughter. She loved life and lived each day to its fullest. She cherished family, friends, exercise, golf, and games.
In Lakeland, she was an engaged member of Women’s Grasslands Golf Association and led as president for three terms. In the summers, she loved Mountain Air in Burnsville, North Carolina where she spent time golfing, cooking, hiking, and spending time with her granddaughters.
She was a devout Roman Catholic and a member of Resurrection Catholic Church.
Carolyn is survived by her husband, James, her son, Christopher (Gina), her daughter, Jennifer Maxon (Stephen) and her granddaughters, Madeline and Parker.
A funeral will be held in Carolyn’s honor on May 4, 2024 at 11:30 am at Resurrection Church. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Byrd Alzheimer’s Center and Research Institute Fund #250148 - USF Foundation, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., ALC 100, Tampa, FL 33620.
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