Belinda Birdsong

Belinda Birdsong, 71, of Greenbelt, Maryland, formerly of Greenbrier, died Dec. 16 from complications of Alzheimer's. She was a member of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in College Park, Maryland.

Born in Walnut Ridge to Ermald and Ella (Hancock) Bell, she grew up in Heber Springs, graduating from HSHS in 1971 and from Ouachita Baptist University in 1975. She began her teaching career in Sheridan, pausing her career to stay home when her children were small. She completed her career in Greenbrier elementary schools, teaching from 1991-2010.

She was also a church pianist and choir member, most recently at First Christian Church of Sherwood from 2011-2021, and prior to that, Bono Baptist Church near Greenbrier.

Her children were the lights of her life and made her proud and happy every day.

She is survived by her husband of 51 years, John Birdsong; her children, Hillary Birdsong (and spouse Christin Beavers) of Baltimore, Maryland, and Joseph Birdsong (and spouse Justin McAdam) of Washington, D.C.; her mother, Ella Bell, and two brothers, Eric Bell and Anthony Bell, all of Heber Springs, other friends and family.

She was preceded in death by her father and by two brothers, Edward Bell and Michael Bell.

A memorial service will be held on May 3 at 1:30 p.m. at First Christian Church of Sherwood. Family visitation at 12:30 p.m. in the church. Memorials may be made to First Christian Church, 2803 E. Kiehl Ave., Sherwood, Arkansas, 72120.