Lela Hardison Belangia

Lela Hardison Belangia, 96, passed away on Thursday, October 25, 2018, at Carolina East Hospital surrounded by her loving family. She was born June 7, 1922, to the late Marvin and Birtle Hardison in Spring Garden, North Carolina.

Her greatest joy was her family, and she was an extraordinarily loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and aunt. She was a remarkable homemaker in every way, cooking three meals a day and caring for the home and everyone in it, all while working in the family store, Belangia’s, until she was 83 years old. She was a wonderful cook who loved trying new recipes and preparing meals for family and friends. Among her greatest pleasures was sitting on her patio, enjoying the beautiful flowers and trees, and watching and listening to the numerous birds at the feeders. She even enjoyed the antics of the pesky squirrels. She also loved gardening – both vegetables and flowers – and sharing what she grew with others. Other favorite hobbies included knitting and crocheting; she knitted beautiful sweaters and afghans that are treasured by those who received them. Among her many other hobbies were crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and other arts and crafts, including pottery classes where she made lovely planters. She kept up with current events by reading two newspapers each morning while enjoying her cup of coffee.

She was a member of the Arapahoe Free Will Baptist Church, where she served as president of her beloved Sunday school class for many years. She loved children throughout her life, and one of the many ways she expressed her love for them was by volunteering as a tutor for children learning to read at the Arapahoe Charter School.

She was married to Elmo Belangia, Sr., for 67 incredibly happy years. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Elmo; her son Winford (“Wimpy”) Belangia; her brother Marvin Hardison, Jr. and sister Evelyn Hargett; and her son-in-law George Javaras and daughter-in-law Patricia (“Pat”) Belangia. She is survived by her daughter, Barbara Belangia Javaras, her son, Elmo (“Bud”) Belangia, Jr., and her daughter-in-law, Janice Belangia; her sister, Peaches Fulcher; grandchildren, Cindy Conder, Robert (“Robbie”) Belangia, and Dr. Kristin Javaras; great-grandchildren, Jimmy Conder, Luke Conder, Craig Belangia, and Roark (“Ru”) Belangia; great-great-grandchildren, Kyla Belangia and Lea Conder; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at the Arapahoe Free Will Baptist Church on Sunday, October 28 ^th , at 2pm, with visitation one hour prior at 1pm. Interment will be at Greenleaf Memorial Park in New Bern at 11am on Monday, October 29 ^th .

Flowers are appreciated, as are memorial contributions to the Arapahoe Free Will Baptist Church (PO Box 117, Arapahoe, North Carolina 28510) or to the Arapahoe Charter School (Attn: Chris Watson, 9005 NC Highway 306 South, Arapahoe, North Carolina 28510).