larcenia belt kirkland
1921-2005
Life Story
Early Life in Newton County
Larcena Belt was born around 1921 in Newton County, Mississippi, to Robert Belt and Virginia (Berry) Belt. In the 1930 Census, the family surname appears as “Bell,” a common spelling variation seen in census records of that era.
She grew up in Beat 4 of Newton County in a large farming household. As of 1930, her siblings included Annie, Nora, Robert Jr., Bessie, and Joe W. Belt. Throughout her life, she maintained close ties with her sisters, who were later named in her 2005 obituary as Bessie Huddleston, Nora Anderson, and Annie Robinson.
Larcena was part of the well-documented Belt family network that bridged Newton County and communities beyond Mississippi.
Marriage and Family
Larcena married into the Kirkland family and became known as Mrs. Larcena Kirkland. She was the mother of one son, Willie Kirkland Jr., who survived her.
Her life reflects both stability in Mississippi and participation in the broader family migration patterns of her siblings, many of whom relocated to Michigan, California, and other states. Unlike some of her siblings, Larcena remained rooted in Mississippi during her later years.
Faith and Church Service
Larcena was a devoted member of Hopewell United Methodist Church in Philadelphia, Mississippi. Her faith and church involvement were central to her identity.
A December 18, 1985, article in The Newton Record documented her participation in a special church program:
Hopewell United Methodist Church held services featuring a “Christmas Festival of Light” program. At the close of the service, presentations of gifts were made by Mrs. Larcena Kirkland and Mrs. Ella Moore. The program emphasized the message, “Go tell it everywhere that Jesus Christ is born,” based on Luke 2:8–11.
This public acknowledgment demonstrates her active participation in church leadership and community worship events.
Her obituary confirms that she remained a faithful member of Hopewell United Methodist Church until her passing and was buried in the church cemetery.
Later Years
Between 1994 and 2002, Larcena resided on Sandtown Road in Philadelphia, Mississippi. She passed away on June 2, 2005, at the age of 83, at the Bedford Care Center in Newton.
Funeral services were held on June 13, 2005, at Hopewell United Methodist Church in Philadelphia, officiated by Rev. Willie Young. Burial followed in the Hopewell United Methodist Church Cemetery.
Williams and Herring Funeral Home of Louisville, Mississippi, handled the arrangements.
Legacy
Larcena Kirkland’s life represents the enduring strength of Mississippi-rooted Belt women who sustained faith communities across generations.
While some of her siblings became part of the Great Migration to Detroit, Flint, California, and beyond, Larcena remained deeply anchored in Mississippi church life. Her presence at Hopewell United Methodist Church and her participation in community worship services reflect a steady commitment to faith and fellowship.
She leaves behind a legacy carried forward by her son, Willie Kirkland Jr., and the extended Belt family network spanning multiple states.
Resting Place
Hopewell United Methodist Church Cemetery.
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1930 Federal Censuses
- U.S. Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 1
- U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
- U.S., Phone and Address Directories, 1993-2002
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
- The Winston County Journal, Larcena Kirkland Obituary, Wed, Jun 22, 2005 ·Page 3
- The Flint Journal, Watkins, Betty Mae Belt Obituary, Thu, Sep 19, 1991 ·Page 37
- 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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