Normaleen Holmes Belch

   Normaleen Hollowell Holmes Belch, 80, of South Oakum Street, Edenton, NC, died Thursday, December 28, 2023 in ECU Health Chowan Hospital.

   Mrs. Belch was born in Chowan County on April 7, 1943 and was the daughter of the late Norman C. and Aileen Holloman Hollowell. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Jerry Holmes; her daughter, Jennifer Holmes McLean; and by her step-son, Adam Belch.

   Retired after 20 years as a licensed insurance agent, she began her career with what was then known as Dowd Insurance Agency, later Dowd & Twiddy, and lastly as Gateway Insurance. A graduate of Chowan High School, Normaleen was raised in the fellowship of Ballard’s Bridge Baptist Church.

   Surviving is her husband, Elliott L. “Buddy” Belch, Jr.; her sister, Chris Petteway (husband, Don) and her brother, Norman “Bobby” Hollowell, both of Tyner; her granddaughter, Ceilidh Ann McLean of Raleigh; and her son-in-law, Kenny McLean of Wilmington. Also surviving are Buddy’s children, Joan “Bambi” Wolcott (husband, Mike) of Marietta, GA and Mandi Belch of Daytona Beach, FL, and their families.

   A memorial service will be held Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Miller Funeral Home & Crematory, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton, and will be conducted by the Rev. Russell Blanchard. A private burial will follow in Beaver Hill Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family in the funeral home immediately following the chapel service.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the Edenton-Chowan Food Pantry, P.O. Box 643, Edenton, NC 27932.

   The family wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation her caregiver, Teresa Forward, and her daughters, Breanna and Melanie, who worked together to make sure Normaleen had the comfort only love can give.

   Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.