Lori Ann Belk (née Shindledecker), aged 61, passed away quietly at home surrounded by her loving family on May 29, 2025, in West Jefferson, North Carolina. Born on February 16, 1964, in Topeka, Kansas, Lori illuminated every place she lived and the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Lori built a successful career in banking risk management, where she not only excelled professionally but also left a lasting impression through her dedication and integrity. Her colleagues at Vanguard, SunTrust and Truist knew her as someone who approached challenges with intelligence and grace, always ready to lend a hand or share a kind word.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Lori was a woman of many passions. She had an adventurous spirit that found joy in travel – whether exploring new places or revisiting favorite destinations. She loved to touch those ancient structures, as if by touching them, she could connect with the history and stories they held. Along the way, she collected uranium glass with an eye for beauty and history, cooked meals that brought people together, and planned gatherings that turned into cherished memories. Her talent for party planning was matched only by her enthusiasm for making others feel welcome and celebrated.
Lori had a gift for connection. “Just Peachy,” she’d often say with her signature warm smile – a phrase that captured the essence of her personality: cheerful, comforting, and full of life. She never met a stranger; whether greeting someone at work or striking up conversation during her travels, she had an uncanny ability to make people feel like they had known her forever.
Her generous heart extended far beyond personal interactions. Lori was known for her charitable work and her unwavering desire to help those less fortunate. Her compassion touched many lives and reflected the deep empathy that guided so much of what she did.
Lori was privileged to be part of a blended family and is lovingly remembered by her beloved husband, James David Belk, her son Jason Shindledecker and his wife, Melissa of Abington, PA; daughter Jamie Lee and her husband, Andy of Hubert, NC; son David Belk of Lancaster, SC and son Dustin Belk and his wife Naomi of Lancaster, SC; sisters Tina Collins and husband Skip of Clear Springs, MD, Tama Brown and husband Terry of Kill Devil Hills, NC, Toni Kent and husband Doug of Leonardo, NJ; Kim Oates and husband Mike of Melbourne, FL; and brother Fred Galey and wife Amy of Burlington, NC. Two grandchildren, Abigail Rene’ Lee and newborn, Adoniram Allen Belk as well as having a plethora of nieces and nephews spread across the East Coast and overseas. She was preceded in death by her father Earl William Shindledecker Jr. and mother Rita Ann Williamson Shindledecker.
May Lori’s memory bring comfort to those who knew her and continue to inspire kindness in all who carry forward the legacy of her generous spirit.
There will be a Celebration of Life conducted at a later date in several locations as Lori touched many lives in many places.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a Memorial gift, in Lori’s name, be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
