Belva Oelrich

Belva Farmer Oelrich died April 11, 02018. She was born in Marshall, North Carolina, the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William V. Farmer, on February 14, 1917.

After graduating from Marshall High School, she went on to graduate from the University of North Carolina Greensboro (Woman’s College) with majors in Home Economics and Science. She spent the next two years at the University of Iowa at Iowa City receiving her Master’s Degree in Science and Therapeutic Dietetics while simultaneously interning at the hospital.

She worked the next three years at Baptist Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee as a therapeutic dietitian and married Dr. August M. Oelrich December 21, 1939. They lived in Hull, Iowa the next three years practicing medicine before World War II. Following the war, four years were spent in Charlotte, North Carolina to finish Dr. Oelrich’s surgical training. The Oelrich’s remaining years have been spent in Sanford, North Carolina.

Belva was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Sanford where she filled various offices throughout the years. She was elected church Elder and received their Honorary Lifetime Membership Award in 1981. She also belonged to the Suzanne Reeves Literary Club and the Tuesday Bridge Club.

Surviving are three children- Lynne Potter and husband Frank, Bill Oelrich and wife Nancy, Janice Davis and husband Sam Lambert; nine grandchildren-Frank Potter and wife Cindy, Cheryl Houchens and husband Paul, David Potter and wife Kelly, Beth Clark and husband Bill, Lyle Oelrich and wife Ashley, Jeff Oelrich and wife Rosemarie, Marie Klish and husband Scott Weeks, Julie Loring and husband Jason, Lathy Mitchell and husband Brian. Also surviving are twenty great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Sanford on April 25 at 2PM following a private Interment in the First Presbyterian Church Columbarium. A reception will be held at the church following the service. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, any memorials be offered to the First Presbyterian Church, 203 Hawkins Avenue, Sanford, N.C. 27330.