We've lost our "Mama Bruin"

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SF Band dad
South Florence Bruins
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Joined: Sat Jan 26, 2013 6:14 pm
Location: Florence

We've lost our "Mama Bruin"

Post by SF Band dad »

Marilynn McClam Belk, 71, of Florence, SC, passed away on Monday, May 21, 2018.

Mrs. Belk was born in Southport, NC, a daughter of the late Robert S. McClam and Bertha Smola McClam of Lake City, SC. She was a devout St. Anne Catholic Church parishioner and Ladies Guild member. She was equally dedicated to serving the Florence community. For her efforts, she was recognized as "Citizen of the Month" by the Florence City Council. In addition, she was a volunteer board member on the City of Florence Parks and Recreation Commission.

Marilynn was a graduate of J. Paul Truluck High School in Lake City, SC where she was an active member of the Class of 1964. She kept in constant contact with her high school classmates, and along with her husband Bert hosted several class reunions at the Match Maker Center. She attended Winthrop College and Francis Marion College, where she was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in History as part of the first graduating class at Francis Marion. She taught at Wilson High School, Mayo High School and Southside Middle School.

Marilynn was an enthusiastic supporter of her children's and grandchildren's various school and sports activities. She was a former president of the South Florence High School Athletic Booster Club and passionately served the school for over 25 years until her retirement in 2016. However, as many can attest, Marilynn never officially retired from this role. She was affectionately known as "Mama Bruin," and for decades coordinated fundraisers, sold football program ads, and always carried raffle tickets and pocket schedules. She was often seen in her blue and gold Dr. Seuss hat supplying cupcakes for athletic teams or working the concession stand which bore her name at Florence Memorial Stadium. In recognition of her giving spirit, in 2016 her family began awarding deserving South Florence student-athletes with the Marilynn Belk Scholarship.

An avid fan of the University of South Carolina, she hosted tailgate parties at all Carolina football home games, where her family and friends enjoyed watching her animated commentary as much or more than the game itself. Neighbors on Damon Drive tell of her over-the-top home and lawn decoration in full Gamecocks regalia, always trying to top her Clemson friends across the street. This friendly rivalry not only drew the attention of her neighbors and passersby, but on occasion news reporters.

She was a beloved neighbor who was known for organizing the Christmas luminaries, hosting 4th of July picnics, and for starting the neighborhood crime watch association of which she was president. She was a loving advocate of animals, and dedicated her time supporting various charities and returning and caring for lost pets. Marilynn was also tirelessly committed to her friends. For over 30 years, she belonged to a ladies' lunch group and will be remembered for her thoughtful gifts and cards for every occasion. Her vivacious spirit carried through her many roles as wife, mom, sister, aunt, friend, and of course, as Mimi. All that knew her will miss her unconditional love and care, always-present guidance and her beautiful zest for life.

Surviving are her husband, Bert Belk of Florence; sons, Marc (Shannon) Belk and Eric (Cindy) Belk, both of Florence; daughter, Anna Catherine Belk (Chris) Wentzell of Florence; grandchildren, Gregory (Madeline) Belk, Jr., Deric Belk, Liam Tindall, Sam Tindall, Sophie Belk and Laura Mason Belk, all of Florence; brothers, Jim McClam, Bill (Sue) McClam, and John Gilmore Smith; and sister, Priscilla (Will) McKay.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Jayne Boswell Animal Shelter, P. O. Box 4808, Florence, SC 29502 or to the South Florence High School Athletic Booster Club (Marilyn Belk Memorial Scholarship) 3200 S. Irby Street, Florence, SC 29505. The family will receive visitors from 6 8 PM Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be said at 10:30 AM Thursday at St. Anthony Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery. Please send messages to the family at the obit section of http://www.stoudenmiredowling.com.

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trojangrad78
Northwestern Trojans
Posts: 602
Joined: Thu Aug 29, 2013 10:12 pm

Re: We've lost our "Mama Bruin"

Post by trojangrad78 »

So sorry for y'all's loss. Prayers from Football City USA.

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CITYSLICKER
Berkeley Stags - 669 games and counting
Posts: 7316
Joined: Tue Jan 29, 2013 9:19 pm

Re: We've lost our "Mama Bruin"

Post by CITYSLICKER »

DAMN, WHAT YALL GOING TO DO WHEN YALL LOSE YOUR DADDY, SLICKER :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :(
669 STAGS GAMES AND COUNTING

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BEAUFORTEAGLESFAN
Beaufort Eagles
Posts: 2679
Joined: Wed Oct 30, 2013 11:05 pm

Re: We've lost our "Mama Bruin"

Post by BEAUFORTEAGLESFAN »

I am so sorry to hear this. Thoughts and Prayers for the Bruin Family. God Bless.
Beaufort Head Football Coach Bryce Lybrand is 41-17 after his 5th Season at Beaufort
2022 3A State Football Champions
3 State Titles in Football
I have attended 624 Beaufort Football Games
GO BEAUFORT EAGLES!!!!

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EHSMeanGreen
Easley Green Wave
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Joined: Sun Jan 27, 2013 1:32 pm

Re: We've lost our "Mama Bruin"

Post by EHSMeanGreen »

Sorry for your Loss. Prayers to the Family and Community.

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