On Sunday, June 21st, 2020, Belinda Katherine Marcotte passed away in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Formerly of West Monroe, Louisiana, and Virginia Beach, Virginia, Belinda relocated with her family in 1994 in the midst of a 40-year career with Beverly Enterprises and Golden Living.
Born November 16, 1956 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital to father D.L. and mother Catherine “Granny” Byrd, Belinda was the youngest of five daughters, known to all as “The Byrd Girls.” “Lark,” as her sisters referred to her, excelled in school, as evidenced by her perpetual presence as the smartest person in any room into which she walked. After graduating in only three years with her bachelor’s degree in accounting, Belinda began her career in 1978 with the company now known as Golden Living. During her professional ascent, she affectionately earned the moniker “The Queen” while holding titles such as Controller, Chief Accounting Officer, Senior Financial Officer, Treasurer, and Executive Vice President. In addition, Belinda served in various leadership roles in international accounting and finance organizations, though she remained eternally humble, explaining to anyone who asked her profession “I’m an accountant.”
As loyal as she was to her work, she was even more so to her family. Dedicated and devoted, Belinda never dared question her own sacrifice for the benefit of her family. Preceded in death by her parents; and brother-in-law, Dennis McCue, Belinda is survived by her husband, Lt. Gary L. Marcotte (Ret) of Fort Smith, Arkansas; her daughter, Amanda Marcotte of Fort Smith, Arkansas; her sons, Brian Marcotte of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Nathan Marcotte and wife Whitney of Cocoa, Florida, and Nicolas Marcotte and wife Kayla of Hackett, Arkansas; as well as her grandchildren, Katherine “Kay”, Caleigh, Karl, Elle Marcotte, and Garrison. Additionally, Belinda is survived by her “Byrd Girls” sisters, Noel McCue of Chesapeake, Virginia, Ann Preston and husband Denny of Chesapeake, Virginia, Joan Haley and husband Eddie of Senatobia, Mississippi, Pat Fontana and husband Kenny of Monroe, Louisiana; as well as the nieces and nephews for whom she was eternally proud.
Adored and admired in life by all who knew her, Belinda’s family hopes to continue her adoration in the form of support to treat and end ALS; www.webar.alsa.org
Public Viewing will be held on June 25, 2020 from 9:00 AM to 7 PM at Edwards Funeral Home, 201 North 12th Street, Fort Smith, AR. The family will receive friends from 5-7 PM.
Funeral Service will be held on June 26, 2020 at 10:30 am at Edwards Funeral Home, 201 North 12th Street, Fort Smith, AR. Burial will be held on June 26, 2020 at 12:00 pm at U. S. National Cemetery, 522 Garland, Fort Smith, AR.
Online condolences may be sent to www.edwardsfuneralhome.com
