Obituary— Janie Mitchell Belew
Janie Mitchell Belew, of Midland, Texas, passed away on August 19, 2024 just short of her 70th birthday. A memorial service in her honor is scheduled for 2:00 pm, Saturday, August 24, 2024 at First Baptist Church Chapel in Midland. Janie will be interred between her parents in Van Horn, Texas at a later date.
Janie was born August 31, 1954 in El Paso, Texas, the fourth child of Ross and Elizabeth Mitchell. She was affectionately known to family and friends as Janie Bug and from an early age had a friendly and kind demeanor. To her older sisters, she was a doll and to her older brother, a rough and tumble playmate. As a child, Janie became a best friend and mentor to her youngest sister Lisa, particularly after their father’s passing. In high school, Janie was the belle of the ball, a star athlete, cheerleader, and universally loved by her classmates. This is evident by the depth of friendship she maintained with those friends for over half a century.
She married her high school sweetheart, David Belew, in Van Horn, Texas on June 1, 1974. They spent time living in various places until finally settling in Midland. Shortly after their arrival, they welcomed their eldest son, Zack, and their daughter Brenna soon after. Janie was a steadfast and loving wife and mother, giving her all for her family in whatever way it called for. She loved David and her children and is known to have said she would “walk through fire for them.” As Zack and Brenna got older, Janie navigated the transition between parent and counselor/friend expertly and was always available as a listening ear, shoulder to lean on, and constant fixture of love and support for her children. She was so proud of the people they became and enjoyed watching them grow into adulthood and start families of their own. She thoroughly loved her early retirement years when she was able to travel with David and spend time with her new grandbabies. She was a fun and loving grandparent who would get on the floor to play with them. Like her children, there was no bigger supporter, cheerleader, or spoiler, for the grandchildren than Janie.
Janie was also integral to her extended family. She was thoughtful and loving to her nieces and nephews and would do things like keep special treats in the pantry every time they came to visit-even after she got sick. Janie stayed close to her mom and made many trips with the kids to see her, and brought her to Midland many times. Janie was servant-hearted and that was especially evident in the waning years of her mother’s life. Steadfast, dutiful, and tender, Janie spent countless hours working with her siblings to manage affairs and provide support and love to all in her signature way. When her nephew passed away, she was a support to her grieving sister. Janie always gave of herself, especially when others were hurting.
In addition to the serious, Janie had a great sense of humor, loved to laugh, and was a joy to be around. She had a characteristic grin that would come out when she was being mischievous or cheeky. She loved her time at the Stitching Post, teaching needlepoint and making friends along the way. Crafting, especially needlepoint and decor, brought Janie great joy and many of her pieces live on as a testament to her abilities and care in creating them. Janie was also generous and thoughtful; she remembered important dates and milestones, not just for David and her children, but for her siblings, her nieces and nephews, her friends, and her children’s friends. As any of these individuals could testify to, she immaculately wrapped every gift, so much so that the recipient felt guilty opening it because it looked so pretty. A small example of her thoughtfulness, care, and desire to make those around her feel special and loved.
There is no doubt that Janie was strong, resolute, and determined, and that was especially so when she was diagnosed with cancer. She lived out Joshua 1:9 which commands us to “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” She was comforted by her faith during this painful time, and resolved to fight because she wanted more time with David, her children, and her grandchildren. David, Zack, and Brenna and their families were by her side through it all, which brought her great comfort. Even in her sickness, Janie became friends with her caretakers and those around her.
Janie is now resting in eternal glory, welcomed with open arms no doubt by her loving parents and her nephew Stefan who she loved dearly. She is laughing and rejoicing again, free of all ailments that had limited her for so long. Janie is survived by her loving husband, David; her son, Zack Belew and his wife, Laurie Belew, and their two children, Braden Belew and Kate Belew; her daughter, Brenna Burch and her husband, Keith, and their two children, Libby Burch and Keller Burch; her three sisters, Joanne Branaman, Linda Stapleton and Lisa Seigmann; and her brother, Steve Mitchell.
Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.
