julia ann belt chapman evans
1908-2002
Life Story
Early Life in the Belt Household
Julia Ann Belt was born on June 26, 1908, in Newton County, Mississippi, the eldest of eleven children born to Robert Belt and Virginia Berry Belt. She grew up in Beat 4, Newton County, in a large and active farming household.
The 1910 and 1920 censuses show Julia as a school-aged child living alongside siblings Bettie Mae, Lillie, Willie, Robert Jr., Annie, and Nora. In 1920, while she was attending school, the census notes she was not yet able to write. Later records indicate she gained literacy, reflecting growth beyond her early educational limitations.
Her childhood unfolded within a close-knit rural family structure shaped by agriculture, church life, and community ties.
Marriage and Early Adulthood
By 1930, Julia had married Thomas Chapman at approximately 19 years of age. They were living in Newton County and had welcomed their first child, Cathrine.
However, by 1940, the census records a significant transition. Julia was listed as divorced and had returned to her parents’ household with three children:
- Cathrine (11)
- Dorothy (10)
- Tommy (6)
During this period, Julia worked as a cook to support her family. Her return home reflects the extended family support systems that were common among rural Black families during difficult seasons of life.
Remarriage and Working Life
By 1950, Julia had remarried to Landy Evans and was living on Station Road in Newton. She was working as a maid in a private home, continuing a pattern of service-based employment common among Black women of her generation.
A particularly revealing detail appears in the 1954 obituary of Miss Clara Rebecca Bingham. Julia, identified as Julia Belt Evans, was described as Miss Clara’s “faithful Negro attendant.” She was present at the time of Miss Clara’s passing and was the one who summoned the physician.
This reference illustrates Julia’s role as a trusted caretaker within the Newton community. Though framed in the language of its era, the clipping reflects the level of trust and responsibility she carried in her professional life.
Faith and Community Leadership
Affectionately known as “Piggy,” Julia was a pillar of Sylvester United Methodist Church.
Her obituary highlights her faithful service in multiple roles:
- Member of the Communion Board
- Member of the United Methodist Women
- Longtime member of the Usher Board
Her church involvement spanned decades, making her a visible and respected presence within the congregation.
Later Years and Legacy
Julia passed away on March 11, 2002, at the age of 94.
She was preceded in death by her son, Tom Jr., and several siblings. She was survived by two daughters, five sisters, 12 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren.
At the time of her passing, she was remembered as Julia Ann Chapman and was laid to rest at the Sylvester United Methodist Church graveyard—returning in death to the church community that had shaped much of her life.
Family Timeline and Transitions
1910 – Belt
Child in the household of Robert and Virginia Belt.
1930 – Chapman
Married to Thomas Chapman; mother of Cathrine.
1940 – Chapman
Divorced; living with parents; working as a cook; mother of three children.
1950 – Evans
Married to Landy Evans; working as a maid.
1954 – Evans
Caretaker and attendant to Miss Clara Rebecca Bingham.
2002 – Chapman
Widow; passed away and buried at Sylvester United Methodist Church.
Julia’s life reflects endurance, adaptability, faith, and service. From child of a farming family to divorced working mother, remarried wife, trusted caretaker, and longtime church worker, she represents the lived experience of Black Southern women whose strength sustained families and institutions across nearly a century of change.
Resting Place
Sylvester United Methodist Church
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1910 – 1950 Federal Censuses
- U.S., Find a Grave® Index, 1600s-Current
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
- U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
- The Newton Record, Virginia Berry Belt Obituary, Wed, Apr 16, 1975 ·Page 8
- The Newton Record, Robert Belt Obituary, Wed, May 15, 1963 ·Page 9
- The Newton Record, Julia Belt Chapman Obituary, Wed, Mar 20, 2002 ·Page 13
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