On Thursday, March 16, 2016, the Lord took back one of His most devoted souls and prized possessions in the person of Evangelist Dolores Belk.  Born on October 5, 1939 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Dolores was the third of six children of Catherine Bernard; Howard Hite, oldest brother (deceased), Marie Headley, oldest sister (deceased), Viola Grantham, sister, Clinton Bernard, youngest brother and Brenda Gantt, youngest sister. In addition to her foster sisters Lillian Watkins and Dorothy Hairston.

She was raised by her foster parents, Reverend St. James Williams and Mrs. Katie Williams until her early teens.  It was during this time that Dolores was introduced to the church. These two parents lead the biggest black church in Bethlehem called Saint Paul's Baptist Church of Bethlehem. Following this, Dolores reunited with her biological mother and family in Brooklyn, NY and was raised by her until adulthood.

Growing up in the streets of Brooklyn, Dolores developed a keen sense of street smarts coupled with integrity, strong work ethic and self respect, which she instilled in her children.  Known as "Toni", Dolores was known as a tough, no-nonsense diva, who always looked fashionable. She was an excellent cook, skilled in the southern culinary arts.  She was also a devoted and active member of various churches, touching the hearts of many through gospel with her melodious soprano voice.

Professionally, Dolores worked as a Phlebotomist for 31 years at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Saint Albans, NY and retired in Fall of 2003.  Unsatisfied with the monotony of retired life, she volunteered as well as, worked at a private agency until 2008. 

One of her crowning achievements was the birth of her seven children, whom she raised primarily by herself with love and an iron fist.  Another milestone in her life was when she was ordained as an Evangelist in 2001 by the late Elder Mary L. McGriff from I believe in God Faith Temple of Love Church in Inwood, NY.   As an Evangelist, Dolores stepped in a more formal leadership role in her community and ministered to congregations with soul-stirring sermons.  In her capacity of Evangelist, she also offered spiritual guidance and counsel to those who came to her for assistance.

As a lifelong learner, Dolores attended seminary school to further her ecclesiastic studies and knowledge base.  She was also trained and certified in Reiki healing and periodically practiced Tai Chi as a meditative practice. She never shied away from learning new things.

In 1992 she met the love of her life, John C Belk, Jr., whom she later married in 1994. Together they traveled frequently to vacation spots at the various timeshares they owned.  She also traveled to Hawaii and St. Thomas.  Together, they also raised their grandchildren, William Gittens Jr. and Dartray Belk. 

This spiritual Titan of a human being and powerful matriarch leaves behind nine children: Paulette Hite, Derrick Hite, Tracey Hite, Von Hite, Dwayne Taylor (Avis Taylor), Keith Lamb (Betty Lamb), Kelly Lamb, Lisa Belk-Williams , Gillie Belk ,  John C. Belk III , three siblings: Viola Grantham, Clinton Bernard and Brenda Gantt, seventeen grandchildren: Jamel Cherry, Latisha Hanton, Latoya Harris, Crystal Hite, William Gittens Jr., Dartray Belk, Trayshon Hite, George Sapp, Jr., Alexis Hite, Avery Davis, Dwayne Mackie, Jamell Taylor, Daonna Taylor, Kanaya Lamb, Leroyal Lee, Ashley Lee, Andre Lee (deceased), fifteen great grandchildren,  and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.  She will be missed but never forgotten.