Celeste to most, "Mama Celeste" to many and for three decades of 1* graders, she was and will always be "Mrs Belcher". Appreciated by her friends and colleagues for her wit, kindness and loyalty. She was always present in the moment enjoying her life and her family but always expanding her reach and her interests.
Born in 1932 in Newport News, VA to Ronal and Verna Hensley. She grew up in what is now Chesapeake, VA with her two brothers and three sisters. She was their second youngest child. The tall, skinny girl with the big smile attended Deep Creek High School, where she was active in everything - basketball, cheerleading, class secretary.
Graduating Deep Creek High School in 1950 she became the first in her family to attend college. Undaunted by a challenge, she commuted from her home to the Norfolk extension of William and Mary (now ODU). This entailed taking a bus from the outskirts of the city to downtown Portsmouth, a ferry to downtown Norfolk, then another bus to the campus. Retracing the route home.
In 1953, college was interrupted by her marriage to Gene Belcher. Their partnership lasted until Gene's death in 2014. In 1956 her life changed again with the birth of their first child, David. Andy quickly followed, and then Patti. With the arrival of Carol her quartet was completed.
With her family established, she returned back to school to complete her education, graduating with honors in 1967 from Old Dominion University. After graduation, the newly minted teacher and a brand new Georgetown Elementary School began accepting students. She loved children and loved teaching Is grade. She truly enjoyed and was always grateful to be able to set the foundation for learning that would last a lifetime. Georgetown Elementary is still shaping children's future, but, after 30 years Celeste retired.
She was always active, helping her four children chase their dreams, creating dreams for her students and, with Gene, continually improving on their own dreams. He was always starting projects confident that she would be by his side helping. Together they built two homes. Then came their biggest project of all, The Cottage in Moyock. It became the hub of their lives and the lives of their extended family for almost 40 years.
Besides her family and teaching, Celeste had many passions and interests. With her friends Gene, Sharon and Nita she had many fun adventures, She LOVED the beach. Her idea of bliss was to pull her beach lounger to the edge of the water and relax until the tide slowly covered the chair. She was an accomplished seamstress. Classical music inspired her and she often enjoyed concerts at Chrysler Hall and the Sandler Center. There is no truth to the rumor that she once considered leaving Gene for Luciano Pavarotti - we think.
She is survived by her brother, Carrington Hensley; sister and oldest friend, Zelda Freeman; children, David Belcher and spouse Carrie; Andrew Belcher and spouse Marsha; Patricia Anctil and partner Kelly Parr, Carol Sage and spouse Mike; grandchildren, Michael Sage and Thomas Anctil and spouse Claire and great-grandchildren, Nathan and Brandon Anctil.
A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, January 28, 2024 at 2pm at Rosewood Kellum Funeral Home, 601 N. Witchduck Rd., Virginia Beach VA 23462. You may offer your condolences at www.kellumfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to CrossOver Healthcare Ministry(Andy is a nurse volunteer at CrossOver and Celeste has taught sewing in their adult education program) www.crossoverministry.org/donate-credit-debit/
