Belinha Evelyn Hampton

Belinha Evelyn Hampton was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on February 7, 1934, to Florence “Lucille” Dingman and Marshal E. Dingman. She went to be with Jesus on March 10, 2025. Belinha is survived by her daughter, Melissa Catalana (Mark); and grandchildren, J. Mitchell Peters and Lydia Peters, all of St. Louis, Missouri; son, Stephen M. Van Slyke of Southeast Asia; daughter, M. Michele Nelson (Kevin) of Minneapolis, Minnesota; granddaughter, Jessica Nelson (John Hillmann); and great-grandchildren, Sutton and Harris Hillmann, all of St. Louis, Missouri; as well as grandson, Collin Nelson of Seattle, Washington. She is preceded in death by her father and mother; and husband, “Bill” Wayne Hampton.

Belinha obtained a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the Iowa State Teachers’ College (UNI) and a Master’s of Education in Reading Intervention and Literacy from Southeast Missouri State (Truman University). She taught in the classroom in Vinton, Iowa, Pensacola, Florida, and Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Belinha served in Elementary Education for over 35 years as a teacher and reading specialist combined. Her love of children shone through in how she gave of her time and energy in the classroom.

Belinha was an avid baker and cook. She served her family well with home cooked meals and delicious desserts. Belinha was in the Cedar Rapids Gazette twice for her love of creating in the kitchen. She enjoyed “reading” old cookbooks and trying new recipes.

A collector of antiques and a desire to preserve them, Belinha was a member of the local chapter of Questers International in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She was also an advocate for education and continued education, especially that of women. Belinha was a member of the local PEO chapter, supporting and serving local women. She served as a Volunteer at St. Luke’s Hospital for many years. Belinha was a proud Iowan.

Belinha was such a gracious lady, who nearly always had a smile to offer. She had a calm, gentle spirit and loved her family deeply. Belinha was widowed by the love of her life Bill, just a year prior to her own passing. They spent 46 wonderful years together, in which they were such positive role models displaying how to have a healthy, loving marriage. Belinha would attend swap meets and car auctions for Bill. Bill would frequent coffee shops, tea rooms and antique auctions for Belinha. They each put the other first.

A strong faith guided Belinha throughout her life. She overcame much in her life, but through it all, she had much joy. Belinha was a member of FaithLife Church in Marion, Iowa. A love of music and singing, Belinha is surely enjoying Heaven.

The staff at Meth-Wick Community cared for Belinha with such mercy and compassion. They were her surrogate family and cared for her with such dignity. The love and respect the staff had for Belinha was so very much appreciated and did not go unnoticed.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home in Cedar Rapids at 10:30 a.m. on May 24, 2025, with a visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m.