Eliza Belle Badgwell
1921-2014
Graveside Services for Eliza Belle Badgwell will be 3PM September 2, 2014 at Memorial Park Cemetery in Oklahoma City Oklahoma with Chaplain Jeremy Brooks officiating. Ms. Badgwell was born June 1, 1921, to Drew Lee Upshaw and Eleanor Edwards in Greene County, Mississippi. She Married Robert Chester Badgwell, February 2, 1944, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. In 1944, Belle worked at Camp Shelby Mississippi where Robert was stationed in World War II. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 247 in Edmond, Oklahoma. Her church membership was with Edmond Road Baptist Church. Before her stroke, Belle was recognized by RSVP for her Outstanding Volunteer service to others.
She and Robert had two daughters Judy Faye Pride, deceased and Mary Louise Meritt and son-in-law Eldon Ray Meritt of Edmond.
She is survived by grandchildren; Stephanie Rae Meritt, Norman; Shannon Louise Meritt and her husband John, Ft. Belvoir; Robert Ray Meritt and his wife Julie, Edmond; Melodie King and her husband Chris, Mustang and Stoney Pride and his wife Janelle of Pittsburg, Texas.
Her great grandchildren include: Carly and Macy Meritt, Edmond; Gabriel, Isabella, and Dylan Meritt, Ft. Belvoir; Samantha, Jackson, Brooklyn, and Madelyn King, Mustang; and Serenity and Stoney Indiana Pride, Pittsburg.
Her nephew, Harold Pollard of Vega, Texas showed never ending thoughtfulness and was a great comfort to her.
She was preceded in death by her husband.
Words cannot express our appreciation to her dedicated caregivers from Carter Home Health; Rachel, Tammy, Melissa, Benjamin, Jeremy, Tina, Tyrell, and Donna. In the past years, she enjoyed going to the Daily Living Center and spending time with Shelly, Pat, Dale, Jennifer, and Randy and recommended the center to everyone she met. Tecumseh Dental and Eric at Pioneer Hearing Aid came to her rescue many times.
This grand lady married my first cousin, Robert Chester Badgwell, Jr., and thereby I became her Cousin-in-Law. Up until this time my cousin was not noted for great choices, but when he won Belle’s heart and married her he began to climb the mountain. It just took a great child of God to show him the way. Those who knew them came to marvel at their accomplishments and their service as a team to their fellow human beings. They raised two successful children. Since R. C. was a master barber, Belle chose to hone his potential and helped him to rise to the ranks of Shriner. She sent him to Wichita Falls, Texas with a truck load of relief supplies when the devastating tornado hit.
She was a Baptist with a strong prayer life based on the admonitions of Jesus Christ: Give me a stout heart to bear my own burdens; Give me a willing heart to bear the burdens of others; Give me a believing to cast all burdens upon Thee. Now she has been escorted into her mansion eternal.
Belle we loved you and shall look forward to the Grand Reunion planned by our Savior. Rest in Peace.
Kenneth and Dorothy McKay
As a member of Edmond Chapter #247 Order of the Eastern Star, we are saddened by the passing of our Sister Belle. I was blessed to have had met her and her daughter Mary when I brought flowers and food during a visit. Belle spoke of some of her days in Eastern Star and recalled members who she shared many good times with. My blessings and prayers go to her family and friends that will miss her.