Frances Mae Belton Cook transitioned peacefully Monday, October 24, 2022 at her home in Greensboro, North Carolina surrounded by the love and comfort of her family.

Frances Mae Belton Cook, 97, was born March 11, 1925, in Fairfield County, Ridgeway, South Carolina to the late Thomas Glenn Belton and Louise Howell Belton. She was the eleventh of fourteen children.

Frances Mae Belton married Nathan Burns Cook March 29, 1947 and shared a loving devoted life together for thirty years until his passing in 1977.

Frances attended the Presbyterian Church School until the eighth grade. Later, she continued her education at Guilford Technical Community College Adult Education Center. She entered the work force as a nanny, secretary, cook, bus driver, and fundraising chair for East Market Street Junior Academy.

Frances received her early Christian formation at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Ridgeway, SC. After moving to Greensboro, NC, she joined East Market Street Seventh Day Adventist Church, and was baptized September 27, 1947. As a dedicated member, she voluntarily assumed the role of church treasurer, Sabbath school teacher and deaconess. She also held membership with Ladies Auxiliary, the Senior Citizens Club, the church board and the choir. She has a passion for reading the Word of God and being in the House of the Lord. Frances enthusiastically looked forward to the time of the year when she could attend the South Atlantic Camp meeting and General Conference of SDA. She enjoyed fellowshipping with her church family and would often laugh so hard, until tears would roll down her cheeks.

Frances was the beloved mother of five daughters: Marjorie Jones, Lynn Jones Cook Henry, Franchis Jones Cook, Gwendolyn Jones Cook Thomas (Theron), Angelia Jones Cook McKiever; a special niece Barbara Shamburger, who she loved as a daughter. Frances embraced six nephews as her sons: Tillman Jones Jr. (Norma - deceased), Melvin Jones (Shirley), Elroy Jones (Sharon), Lindsey Jones (Geraldine - deceased), Cheyenne Jones, and Jasper Dawkins (Frankyann).

Frances adored her grandchildren: Nichole Marsh (Marcus), Home Lawrence-Grisson (Kerry), Albert Henry; Theron (Therry) Thomas II, Bridget Moses (John), Whitni McKiever, and Adam McKiever.

Frances cherished her great-grandchildren: Marcus Marsh Jr., Nathan Saunders, Chole Rivers, Londyn McKiever, and Janiah Moses.

Frances was the matriarch of a large family, and soon became the mother figure for a host of other nieces and nephews (off springs of her sisters and brothers). She always made time for everyone and assured them of her love, support and gratefulness. Frances was present at every family reunion that she was able to attend. She enjoyed retelling stories of the family's rich history. She was always ready to share an infectious smile and laugh that would brighten any room and graciously received the same from her kinfolk.

Frances' favorite color was purple, and it always looked good on her! Aside from spending quality time with family and friends, she loved gardening. Azaleas were her favorite flowers.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Frances Mae Belton Cook was preceded in death by thirteen siblings: Sarah Belton Crawford; Janie Belton Belton; Lou Fannie Belton; James Belton; Charleston Thomas Belton; Douglas Reid Belton; Tallie Belton; A.V. Belton; Dock Belton; Richard Belton; Geneva Belton Jones; Lethia Belton Richardson; Nathaniel Belton.

Through the years, our beloved Frances Mae Belton Cook has been the shining example of Christian love, motherhood, respect, joy, honor, integrity, and patience. We will miss her greatly but will forever cherish her legacy.