Lonelle Belcher

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Lonelle Buchanan Belcher left this earthly realm on December 3rd, 2023, after a short battle with metastatic ovarian cancer. She was 70 years old. Funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, December 9, 2023, with Mike Randolph officiating. The family will receive friends for visitation one hour before the service.

Lonelle was born November 22, 1953, in Belton, the daughter of Archie and Thelma (Turnbo) Buchanan. At 7 months old she contracted poliomyelitis. While this disease affected her body, it could not touch the powerful and determined soul within. She graduated from Belton High School in 1972 and moved to California after marrying Kenneth Brown. She returned to the Temple area and worked for Scott and White Hospital for 5 years. She would go on to retire from the Temple Veterans Administration after 20 years of service. Lonelle was a pioneer in bringing awareness to communities regarding accessibility for those with disabilities. She was famous for her big personality, compassion for others, and a spirit of determination. She loved to laugh and spend time with her family and friends. It would be wrong to say that Lonelle lost her battle because she never stopped fighting. No matter how sick she was, she was always determined. When anyone else would have quit, Lonelle stayed strong. There was no quit in Lonelle. She is no longer here, but she did not lose her fight. Through her, we know what resilience and perseverance truly look like.

Survivors include her daughter Kristi Brown Smith and husband William Thad Smith; three grandchildren, Brandon Zaleski and wife Jessica, Matthew Smith and Hailey Smith; and two great-grandchildren Adelynn and Brayden. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.