robert belt, jr.
1914-1997
Life Story
Early Life in Newton County
Robert “Bob” Belt was born on September 29, 1914, in Newton, Mississippi, to Robert Belt, Sr. and Virginia (Berry) Belt. He was raised in Beat 4 of Newton County within a large farming family deeply rooted in the community.
He was one of at least ten children born to Robert and Virginia. His siblings included Julia, Betty Mae, Lillie, Willie (Docie), Annie, Nora, Larcenia,Bessie, and Joe Wesley Belt.
While early census records indicate that Robert did not consistently attend school, by 1930 he was listed as able to read and write—reflecting the educational advancement that many Belt children achieved despite limited rural resources.
Marriage and Early Adulthood in Mississippi
By 1940, Robert had established his own household in Newton County. He married Hettie Mae (listed in the 1940 and 1950 census records as well as his WWII draft registration).
In 1940, he was working approximately 60 hours per week as a laborer. His World War II draft registration describes him as 5’11”, weighing 165 pounds, with a dark brown complexion. At that time, he was employed by S.P. Bingham.
The 1950 census places the family on Corinth Church Road in Newton. Robert and Hettie Mae were raising several children, including:
- Annie Pearl
- Willie D.
- Flora Nell
- Jurelene (Jurlline)
- James H.
- Mable
These years reflect his role as a young father and wage earner during the final wave of rural Mississippi farm-based living before migration north.
Migration to Flint, Michigan
Following the path of many Mississippi families during the later phase of the Great Migration, Robert relocated his family to Flint, Michigan.
In Newton, he had been a member of Sylvester United Methodist Church. After moving to Flint, he joined First Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, where he remained a faithful member for many years.
In Flint, Robert worked as a service attendant for Bond Shell, maintaining steady employment until his retirement in 1977. His long-term position reflects the industrial stability that attracted many Southern migrants to Michigan.
Later Marriage and Family
At the time of his passing, Robert’s devoted wife was Emma L. Belt, suggesting a later marriage following his earlier union with Hettie Mae.
His obituary records a large and expanding family:
Children:
- Annie Pearl Mack
- Flora N. Flowers
- Mable Belt
- Jeana Macklin
- Alicia Jacques
- Willie D. Belt
- James H. Belt
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Jurelene Burns.
Generational Legacy:
- 24 grandchildren
- 18 great-grandchildren
Death and Burial
Robert “Bob” Belt passed away on February 26, 1997, at Riverview Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, at the age of 82.
Funeral services were held at First Trinity Missionary Baptist Church in Flint, Michigan. He was laid to rest at Flint Memorial Park.
Genealogical Notes and Observations
Surname Variation:
The 1930 census records the family surname as “Bell,” but earlier and later records confirm “Belt” as the correct spelling. Such variations are common in twentieth-century census documentation.
Marriage Records:
The presence of Hettie Mae in the 1940 and 1950 census records and Emma L. Belt in the 1997 obituary strongly suggests that Robert experienced more than one marriage during his lifetime.
Family Network:
His obituary lists sisters Julia Chapman, Nora Anderson, Bessie Huddleston, Larcena Kirkland, Annie Robinson, and Lillie Morris—names that align clearly with the Belt siblings identified in earlier census records.
A Life Bridging Two Worlds
Born in rural Mississippi during the Jim Crow era and passing away in industrial Michigan at the close of the twentieth century, Robert “Bob” Belt’s life mirrors the broader Belt family journey.
He was raised on Mississippi farmland, labored long hours to support his children, migrated north for opportunity, and retired after years of steady industrial employment. Through faith, family, and work, he maintained ties to both Newton County and Flint.
His story reflects endurance, adaptability, and the expansion of a Mississippi-rooted family into a multigenerational Midwestern legacy.
Resting Place
Flint Memorial Park, Detroit, Michigan
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1920 – 1950 Federal Censuses
- U.S. Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 1
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
- U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
- U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947
- The Flint Journal, Belt, Robert “Bob” Obituary, Tue, Mar 04, 1997 ·Page 22
- 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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