geneva belt arrington
1908-1971
Life Story
A Life of Strength, Grace, and Devotion to Family
Early Life and Family Roots
Geneva Belt was born on May 8, 1908, in Newton County, Mississippi, to Anderson Belt (1882–?) and Leona (1891–?). Her early years were shaped by both challenge and compassion. Due to unforeseen family circumstances, she was lovingly adopted and raised by her uncle and aunt, Eugene Brisco (1875–1951) and Jennie Brisco (1863–1950).
In their home, Geneva found stability and affection. By the 1910 Census, she was just four years old, living with Eugene and Jennie, surrounded by a nurturing household that instilled in her values of kindness, self-reliance, and faith. Despite the difficulties of her early years, Geneva thrived in her new family environment and developed a strong bond with her adoptive parents that lasted throughout their lives.
Education and Character
Geneva’s childhood was spent in the rural countryside of Newton County, where she attended the local school and completed the seventh grade — a remarkable accomplishment for African American children during that era, when educational opportunities were limited. Her teachers and peers admired her sharp intellect and determination. These early achievements reflected a quiet resilience that would define her entire life.
Marriage and Family Life
On April 30, 1927, Geneva married Lewis Arrington, linking her to one of Altare’s most enduring family lineages. Their union was built on mutual respect, faith, and hard work — qualities that guided them through the joys and challenges of raising a family.
From this marriage came three children who carried forward their parents’ values and love:
- Walter Lee Arrington (1929–?)
- Georgia Arrington (1930–?)
- John L. Arrington (1932–?)
The Arrington family grew up within the close-knit Altare community, participating in church activities, school events, and the shared labor of rural life. Geneva was known among neighbors as a woman of quiet dignity and warmth, whose home radiated hospitality and faith.
Passing and Legacy
After several months of illness, Geneva passed away on March 5, 1971, at Newton Hospital, at the age of 63. Her passing marked the end of a life rooted in love, perseverance, and family devotion.
She was laid to rest at Altare Missionary Baptist Church graveyard, where generations of the Arrington family are buried — a resting place that symbolizes the enduring strength of community and kinship.
At the time of her death, she was survived by her daughter Georgia Rogers of Gulfport, Mississippi, her sons Walter of Detroit, Michigan, and John of Eupora, Mississippi, along with fourteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She also left behind her brother Jessie Henderson, and two beloved aunts, Mrs. Eliza Pleasen and Mrs. Annie Bell Moore, both of Newton.
Her funeral was held at Altare Missionary Baptist Church, where the congregation gathered to honor a woman who had given her heart to both her family and her faith. Geneva’s memory continues to live on through the generations who follow — a legacy of love, quiet strength, and unbroken ties to the land and people of Altare.
Sidebar: The Belt–Brisco–Arrington Lineage
The life of Geneva Belt Arrington (1908–1971) weaves together three of the enduring family lines in the Altare community — the Belt, Brisco, and Arrington families — each contributing to the area’s legacy of faith, perseverance, and family unity.
Born to Anderson Belt (1882–?) and Leona (1891–?), Geneva’s early childhood took an unexpected turn when she was adopted and lovingly raised by her uncle and aunt, Eugene (1875–1951) and Jennie Brisco (1863–1950). The Briscos were known for their kindness and generosity within the Altare community, and under their care, Geneva grew up in a nurturing home that emphasized hard work, faith, and compassion.
Her marriage to Lewis Arrington (1875–?) in 1927 united her with another respected Altare lineage — the Arrington family, descended from Allen Arrington (1855–?) and Adeline Chapman (1854–?). The Arringtons were among the early farming families of southern Newton County, known for their industrious spirit and close ties to both the Altare Missionary Baptist Church and neighboring communities like Wickware and Bethel.
Together, Geneva and Lewis raised three children — Walter, Georgia, and John — blending the Belt, Brisco, Chapman, and Arrington traditions into a single family legacy. Their descendants carried this heritage forward into new generations, some migrating north for opportunity, while others remained close to the red clay soil of Altare that had sustained their ancestors.
Today, the Belt–Brisco–Arrington family line stands as a powerful testament to the endurance of kinship and faith — a story of love, adaptation, and deep community roots that continue to define the legacy of Altare.
Resting Place
Altare Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- The Newton Record, Geneva Belt Arrington Obituary, Wed, Mar 10, 1971 ·Page 11
- 1910 Federal Census
- 1920 Federal Census
- 1930 Federal Census
- 1940 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- U.S., Find a Grave® Index, 1600s-Current
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