Josephine C. "Josie" Bellard, 75, a native of Opelousas and resident of Baton Rouge, passed away peacefully March 23, 2020 at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital, with her son Kirby holding her hand. Scholastically, "Josie," as she was known to many, received both her Baccalaureate and Master's Degree from Southern University A & M College with concentration in Education and Counseling. She later earned a Master's Degree in Christian Education from Christian Bible College. Professionally, Josie spent some fifty-three years as an educator in the East Baton Rouge Parish School System, spending most of her years at Capitol Middle and Capitol Elementary. She also instructor at the Community Association for the Welfare of School Children (CAWSC). Memories of her, will forever remain in the hearts of: her sons, Willie (Melissa) Collins, Kirby Bellard, Lyelle Bellard; four grandson, Wendale (Kabrina), Wynston, Waylon, and Kendrick Bell-Bellard; a great-granddaughter, Willow Joi Collins; a mandother-figure, Betty L. Johnson and a host of other relatives and friends. Josephine was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter-in-law and a grandson. A walk-through visitation will be observed on Friday, March 27, 2020, 8:30 am - 11:30 am, Second Baptist Church, 914 N. Acadian Thruway West, Baton Rouge with graveside services beginning at Noon at Roselawn Cemetery, 4045 North Street, Baton Rouge with Rev. Sam C. Lofton, III. officiating. Capital Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
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Ms.Josie will forever be remembered. I have always lived in the area and when ever i saw her waiting for the bus, i would pick her up and take her to her destination. She was a beautiful soul always had that smile on her face no matter what. Always had an encouraging word and always asked about my brother and my parents. She never forgot anyone. Very down to earth humble lady.
Irene Turner
August 7, 2023
Momma,
This was your favorite time of the year. I miss you so much.
Lyelle (your baby boy)
Family
December 23, 2022
Momma as we approach the 1st year anniversary of you departing this earthly life, we MISS YOU even more today than the day you left. Momma this is HARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I miss you soooooooooooooooooo much
Lyelle Bellard
Son
March 19, 2021
Josie has even a more glorious smile in that permanent home.
Doris James
Friend
March 19, 2021
God bless the Bellard family. Ms. Bellard was very productive and influenvial.
Doris James
Friend
November 30, 2020
CHILDREN, I KNOW HOW YOU FEEL , BECAUSE I SAT IN THE SEAT WHERE YOU ARE SITTING!
YOUR MOTHER LEFT A GOOD EXAMPLE FOR YOU'LL TO FOLLOW. FOLLOW IT AND YOU WILL SEE HER
AGAIN!..SHE WILL CONTINUE TO WATCH OVER YOU'LL. WE LOVED HER TOO...CAROLYN..ISABELLA..WILLIE MAE AND ROSE.
Carolyn Greene
April 9, 2020
Rest In Heaven Mrs Josephine Bellard
I meet you in 1999 @ C.A.T.S bus terminal....You was so nice & helpful....Thank You been you....and your Service Teaching .....Thank You Again .....Love You Mrs J
Herbert Pace
March 30, 2020
Mrs.Josie was so nice and had you LAUGHING all the time and knew the Bible! I will miss her a lot.From Shirley Williams Ross of Atlanta Georgia and N.Miss. In Loving Memory of Mrs.Lucille R. Smooth
Shirley W. Ross
March 29, 2020
She will be more missed by all
Reginald Thomas
Family
March 29, 2020
As members of the Kairos Prison Ministry for Angola we pray that the family of Sister Josie Bellard finds comfort in the promises of God in this time of temporary separation... in the sweet name of Jesus.
Kathy & David Michael
Kathy Michael
March 28, 2020
My deepest condolences to the Ballard family ms.Bellard was my house mother when I was in blondon home on west McKinley she was the best house mother of all them this has really touched me I'm so sorry for all of you lost I pray GOD gives each and everyone of you strength at this difficult time
Jean Burrell
March 28, 2020
Ms. Bellard will be missed by the Bernard Terrace Elementary School family. She always offered me
nuggets of wisdom. Find peace in knowing she finished her course on Earth. May you look to God for all of your help during this time.
Demetric Alexander
March 28, 2020
RIP Classmate. My condolences to David and Josie's family.
Juanita Richard
March 28, 2020
Condolences and Prayers for strength to the family of Ms. Josie Bellard. Dwell on the beautiful memories shared with your mother Willie, Lyell and your siblings. Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.♥
Alicia Moore
March 27, 2020
Always a genuine smile and kind words whenever I saw you. Sleep in paradise Ms Bellard. I will never forget you. To her family, my deepest condolences.
March 27, 2020
Dear Bellard family,
Please accept my sympathies and regret that I could not be in attendance for this homegoing.
Josie and I shared many memories - as national, state and local delegates at educational conferences and conventions, studied Sunday School lessons, discussed candidates for national/state office and visited the sick.
It was my pleasure to share hotel rooms and meals or bask in her intercessory prayers for Second Bapt church members.
Her song "Close to Thee" continues to ring in my ears.
Josie's personality was as unique as her style. She was the epitome of the "real McCoy."
Josie was a sister-in-Christ and I am confident that she is resting in the arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
She pursued opportunities to teach the Word to others as though a life, a soul was at risk. And she was right!
Thank you for your light and example,
Miss Que
Miss Que West
March 27, 2020
To a beloved friend, Sister in Christ -
We have shared many events, usually District educational conferences or conventions; nationally, state and local; studied Sunday School lessons and visited the sick.
It was my pleasure to know you as a fellow delegate and later as a church member.
You intercessory prayers and your song, Close to Thee, still rings in my ears.
I will miss your singular personality, our share meals and am sure you are in the arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Farewell my Sister,
Miss Que
Quester West
March 27, 2020
Praise God for the Life, Love and Laughter of Mrs. Josie Bellard! She was Mama Josie to me! She graced the halls of both Capitol Middle and Capitol Elementary as a Legendary Educator. She aided, taught, counseled, prayed for and disciplined every student, teacher and administrator to walk those halls. She Blessed our Souls at Second Baptist Church and at Youth Encampment. As a leader in both entities, I spent many hours, days, years hearing the words that were meant for us to live by. Thank you for your example of what God expects us to do while here on earth. Take your rest as God grants you your reward!
Prayerfully and ❤ Lovingly
Shedrika Brunson-Green
March 27, 2020
Rest in peace Ms. Bellard. You will be greatly missed. You were loved so dearly and greatly appreciated. You were truly one of a kind and actually cared for anyone you came into contact with.
Love you!
Shelley Wilson
March 27, 2020
To The Bellard Family I will miss her .The song writer wrote "May The WORK THAT I DO SPEAK FOR ME surely her's did she was about EDUCATION AND HELPING OTHERS BE BLESSED FAMILY SHE IS IN HEAVEN HELPING OTHERS GODSPEED
Patricia Turner
March 27, 2020
My good friend co-worker telephone buddy and play mother will be missed.Capitol Elementary
Debra Coleman
March 27, 2020
What can I say everyone loved this Lil Lady. Full of fire, full of Love for whomever she met. Ms. Bellard helped us so much when my mom passed away, she would always check on us even 30 years later. Always called me the Daughter she never had❤❤. If I came to Louisiana and didn't go see her, I would be in big trouble the next time I did. You are going to be missed by everyone. Love you my Angel forever in our Hearts.
Todjlyn LaCour
March 27, 2020
So to hear about the passing of Mrs. Bellard. That's all we know to call her on the brewsway of Capitol Elementary on the old site of 43rd street and in the halls of Capitol Junior on old site on Gus Young. A lady who really cared for all students. Treated us as we were her children. Didn't care who class you was in. May you rest in peace, because you was a peaceful teacher, motherfigure for all students. From the all the students of Capitol Elementary "Wildcates" (Blue & White) & Capitol Junior High School "Cougars" (Orange & Green). Can't leave out the mighty golden Lion at Capitol Senior High School.
Henry Robins
March 27, 2020
I will miss you dearly Miss Bellard thank you for loving me and accepting me thank you for encouraging me when I needed it from a little girl to an adults you always greeted me with hugs and kisses I will love you forever until we meet again
Sonia Bell
March 27, 2020
We will always remember our classmate as the most spirited Southernite we ever knew. She was a warm and caring person.
Franklin Jones
Franklin Jones
March 26, 2020
I cannot even begin to understand what you are going through right now, my heart is heavy and I'm so sorry you lost someone so important and special in your life. I'll be praying for you and the rest of your family.
Darla D Dickerson
March 26, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Sherronda Mason
Friend
March 26, 2020
Sorry for the lost of your mother ! Josie was a good friend growing up together and one of the best Southern University Cheerleaders we ever had . Whatever she wanted to do in her life , she gave it all she had . Josie's gift to the world were her boys, that she loved so much ! Praying for your entire family , and may God bless and keep you strong .
Dianne Hamilton
March 26, 2020
My prayers are with the Bellard family. Heaven has gained another angel. God bless you all.
Ernestine
March 26, 2020
Sending my thoughts and prayers to Ms. Bellard's family. It was a joy to work in the presence of Ms. Bellard. I will never forget the warmth her smile brought to Capitol Elementary each and every day. The loss of Ms.Bellard is felt by many. May the memories of her wonderful personality and many contributions be celebrated by all.
Danielle Perkins
March 26, 2020
You will be greatly missed by our community
Miaekia Williams
Student
March 26, 2020
Our Condolences to the Collins & Bellard Family with a special Prayer for Josephine and Her Sons. We say To God be the Glory. We, with the rest of the Class of 1964 will truly miss the enjoying times we had during the J S Clark Reunions, Clarence & Bennie Ruth Brooks. May God Continue to Bless and keep each of us in His Care.
March 26, 2020
R.I.P. Ms Bellard You Left an Impression on Everyone That Met You!! Praying For Strength For Your Family!!
Evelyn Former CTC & CATS OPERATOR
March 26, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Lena Charles
Friend
March 26, 2020
Miss Josie was for real. Whatever she did or said came from her heart. She truly represented CHRIST JESUS in her lifestyle. Whenever the Male Chorus at Church would sing, all you had to do was listen and you heard Miss Josie singing and praising GOD with us. She did it all from her heart. We thank GOD for blessing us with Miss Josie. To GOD be the glory.
Ronnie Joseph, Sr
March 26, 2020
Our prayers and condolences go out to the family. Michael, Valencia, Michelle and Marcus Anderson
Valencia Anderson
March 26, 2020
Condolences from the Whitfield family to yours Mrs. Bellard has been a part of our family all my life and into the lives of my grandchildren. She will truly be missed.
Keeping you all in prayer
God bless
LaShandra Whitfield
March 26, 2020
We hav close another Angel. She was good to everyone an loved visiting her home town and her people. Josie, you will be missed an always remembered. Rest in your new home..Sista
Johnnie and family. ❤
Johnnie B. Simmons
March 26, 2020
Prayers for the family. Josie was loved by many people.
She was a caring woman. Rest in peace, Josie.
Dorothy W. Wilson
March 25, 2020
Mrs. Patricia Augustus Phenix Hayes and Family of Baton Rouge La
March 25, 2020
Mrs. Judy Augustus Guy and Family of Baton Rouge La
March 25, 2020
Sister Ballard was one who truly loved God and now she is resting in his promise of eternal life. We pray that you feel the presence of our Lord and Saviour as he surrounds you with his love.
Robert, Debra and Robyn Dow
Debra Dow
March 25, 2020
Mrs. Bellard! Praise God from Whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise, Father, Son and Holy Ghost! You taught be so much about life and the Lord, our God! Rest in heaven as He welcomes you home.
Prayers for the family in this time of bereavement.
Christina Washington
March 25, 2020
One of my favorite people, I will miss her greatly.
Christina
March 25, 2020
Josie,i remember you a childhood griend you were a neighbor of my Grandparents
Cynthia Collins
Neighbor
March 25, 2020
Aunt Josie was a wonderful aunt whom showed love to all her nieces and nephews. She loved her family dearly.
Malinda Jones
Family
March 25, 2020
From Kenneth Monica Martin and Tyla mills
Kenneth A Martin
March 25, 2020
Rest my friend. You touched the lives of so many children. My fondest memory of you was the day I took you to the game in Thibodaux with Felecia and I. Thanks for watching my 3 so I could do what I needed to do . Rest well.
Linda C
Friend
March 25, 2020
Condolences from the Garrett Family!!!
Rychon Rock
Friend
March 25, 2020
I will always remember you. You are one of the first people who accepted me when I came to Capitol. You truly deserve a plaque on one of the doors. You would always say pray for me . Now I will lift your family up. For you are truly in a place where they are not needed.
Vivia Hall
March 25, 2020
Rest eazy cousin
Kashia grant
Family
March 25, 2020
Josie we are missing you already. Henry and I are thankful to have had you in our lives. We will definitely miss you keeping us abreast as to what the "Class of 64" has on the agenda.
Henry & Bonnie Hanchett
March 25, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Carol Lynne
Student
March 25, 2020
Sending my prayers to your family for strength during this time.Your mom impacted so many people including my self .Her infectious smile lit up the room.Heaven has gained an angel.
Antoinette Franklin
March 25, 2020
Keeping you all in prayer Your mother touched so many lives thank you for sharing her with all of us
Lashelle Boyd
March 25, 2020
MY CONDOLENCES TO THE BELLARD FAMILY AND I WILL MISS SEEING HER AROUND THE BUS TERMINAL AND I GREW UP WITH HER KIDS! REST ON JOSIE YOU HAVE FINISHED YOUR COURSE AND EARNED YOUR WINGS. I WILL SEE YOU IN AGAIN IN THE NEXT LIFE WHEN I REACH THOSE PEARLY WHITE GATES OF HEAVEN!!-HENRY
Henry Devold
Friend
March 25, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Tinita LeBlanc
March 25, 2020
Momma, I LOVE You so much but you already know this. We made so many memories together that I will hold onto, until I am able to see you again. I am grateful to God that the last words we shared with each other was I LOVE YOU. Momma my world has been shattered.
LOVE YOU FOREVER "Dookie"
Lyelle Bellard
March 25, 2020
Lyelle Bellard
March 25, 2020
Lyelle Bellard
March 25, 2020
Lyelle Bellard
March 25, 2020
Lyelle Bellard
March 25, 2020
Lyelle Bellard
March 25, 2020
Lyelle Bellard
March 25, 2020
PRAYERS FOR THE BELLARD FAMILY AND ALSO CTC(CATS)FAMILY AS WELL
EMILY MATEN
March 25, 2020
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March 25, 2020
Family, thank you for sharing your mother, grandmother, etc. with so many. Rest assured Ms. Bellard spent a life doing what she loved best. Join others in cherishing the fondest of memories. God's love will sustain you.
Evelyn Edwards
March 25, 2020
March 25, 2020
Ill Truly Truly Miss Our Aunt Josie She Was The Rock & Our Backbone Of Our Northend Neighborhood Of Opelousas La Ive Grew Up In Her Mothers Home From A Littler Girl So I Was The Youngest Adopted Little Sis. Whenever She Comes To Town R Call She Fines Me. My Sweet Josie Take Your Rest In Your New Heavenly Home Youll Be Miss But Never Will Be Forgotten Rip Aunt JOSEPHINE
Jacqueline Joseph
March 25, 2020
Josie I will miss seeing your smiling face at all our J.S. Clark events and also receiving the beautiful Christmas cards from you every year. May you REST IN PEACE.
Helen Johnson-Scott (cls. of '64))
March 25, 2020
There is a time and a season for everything and Sis. Josephine Bellard enjoyed her season well. Always active and on the go. A loving mother, grandmother, church member and friend to many. I am so glad she liked me because I would not had wanted to be on that other side. I jokingly referred to her as The Outlaw, Josie Wells after a Clint Eastwood character. She indeed was from the ol school, the best school. I pray that her family can always count on fond memories to push them through. God Bless all of you.
Jessica Searcy McCray
March 25, 2020
I Love You So Much Ms. Bellard. Only If I could have gotten one more hug . You have definitely left a beautiful mark in me & my family life. Rest On My Baby. ..Psalms 91
Shawnee Knight
Family
March 25, 2020
Sending my prayers and love to Lyelle and his family. Look to the hills for strength in coming days. GOD will always be present to dry your weeping eyes. Sorry for your loss.
Jerne Anderson
Friend
March 25, 2020
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