Belinda Jane Ballard, 60, passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2019 surrounded by her loving family.

Belinda was a Christian woman, and maintained her strong relationship with God through her life and her illness.  She loved to travel, but her favorite place to go to was the beach.  She also loved life, people, the holidays and getting dressed up.  Belinda never met a stranger, she was friends with everyone.

Belinda was raised by her grandparents who she lovingly referred to as "Mama" and "Daddy" Rock.  Her Uncle J.D. and Aunt Diane McAlpine were second parents to her.  Her cousin Sherry Farley was more of a sister to her than a cousin, and she was the godmother of Victoria Farley Sims' son Tyler.  Belinda Studied Early Childhood Education at Jefferson State Community College where she continued to grow her love for children's education.  She worked at Walmart to pay off all the shopping she did there.  While she was helping to set up the Huffman Walmart, she had the opportunity to meet Sam Walton.

Belinda worked at the Warrior Public Library where she coordinated the summer reading program.  She was also a PTA officer for local schools for many years.  She taught three generations of kindergartners, including her own niece.  She retired as the co-director of God's Kids Learning Academy.

Belinda is preceded by her mother, Dorothy Faye Rock, John "Daddy Rock" Dewey Rock Sr., Adria "Momma Rock" Simmons Rock and her uncle J.D. McAlpine.

She is survived by her husband, Darrel Ballard; children, Brooke Lauren, Drake Ballard, Ben Shirley and Jade McCandless; siblings, Rex McCandless, Glenn McCandless, Lisa Willet and Gary McCandless; her aunts and uncles, Terry Rock, Diane McAlpine, Shirley Lauderdale, Carol Garrard along with numerous cousins and friends.

A visitation will be held on Monday, August 5, 2019 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm with a family visitation to start at 4:30pm. A Celebration of life is to follow at 7:00pm at Messmer Goodwin Funeral Home.  Brother Jerrell Brown is to officiate.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the American Cancer Society in honor of Belinda.