Jewell Helen Belt Jr.

Jewell Helen Belt was born to the parentage of Brooks Belt and Jewell Helen Belt Sr. on August 7, 1947, in Buena Vista, Georgia. At 22 months old, she contracted spinal meningitis. She relocated to Tucson, Arizona, shortly thereafter. There, Jewell spent the first seven years of her childhood at Comstock Children’s Hospital. Her illness left her partially paralyzed on one side, and she required years of treatment and rehabilitation to regain the ability to walk and speak properly. She spoke fondly of the children she befriended, the entertainers who visited the hospital, and the staff members who cared for her during her stay.

When Jewell was released from the hospital, she reunited with her parents and eight siblings. She entered a tumultuous family environment that was not very welcoming or sensitive to her health challenges. The years that followed were marked by instability. Between the ages of eight and fourteen, Jewell was moved in and out of foster care before eventually returning home. Through these adversities, she developed the resilience and determination that would carry her through the rest of her life.

Jewell was a highly intelligent, curious, lifelong learner. She loved history, genealogy, etymology, educational documentaries, and was an avid book reader. Jewell had an active and inquisitive mind and valued being a critical thinker. She studied naturopathy and anatomy & physiology, sharing with her loved ones how proper nutrition can be a natural healer. In her twenties, Jewell enjoyed traveling and often spoke of her adventures with great fondness. She loved to sing karaoke and to share stories that could make you laugh until your stomach hurt.

Jewell was a social worker at heart. One of the early positions she took great pride in was her work with Tucson’s ex-offender program, where she helped individuals transition back into the community and rebuild their lives. She often spoke of this work with pride, as helping others came naturally to her. She possessed a gift for teaching and found great purpose in sharing knowledge, offering guidance, and encouraging others to learn and grow. Whether discussing history, scripture, health, nutrition, or life itself, Jewell was a natural teacher whose wisdom and insight touched many lives.

Jewell relocated her children to Portland, Oregon, in 1995 and remained in the Pacific Northwest for the remainder of her life. Jewell was an amazing cook whose meals brought her family together. Music was a constant presence in her life, with tastes that included blues, doo-wop, soul, gospel, country, and R&B. Those who knew Jewell were fortunate to benefit from her vast knowledge of holistic remedies, practical wisdom, and heartfelt advice. She was the person many turned to in times of need. She was always willing to listen, offer guidance, and provide unconditional love.

Jewell was a devoted single mother who raised eight children. Through her resourcefulness, sacrifice, determination, and love, she created a wonderful life for her children despite many obstacles. She had the ability to make something out of nothing and created memories that will be carried forever. Birthday celebrations, holidays, family meals, game nights, and the countless things that she did to make life special remain among the greatest gifts imparted to her children.

Jewell’s life was not defined by the hardships that she endured, but by her grace, generosity, gentle spirit, wisdom, and the love that she poured into the family she built. She leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, faith, humor, forgiveness, and positivity. The Lord called one of His earthly angels home on June 11, 2026, when Jewell passed away in the care of her loving children.

She is survived by her eight children: Kamani Aemilian Belt, Hodari Jumapili Belt, Khamisi Baraka Belt, Malaika Johari Belt, Zuwena Nyota Belt, Yohance Badru Belt, Hasani Ogbonna Belt, and Runako Mangosuthu Buthalezi Belt.

She is also survived by nine grandchildren, one step-grandchild, and two step-great-grandchildren.