Belinda K. Hoagland
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Belinda K. Hoagland of Roanoke, Virginia, was born on May 1, 1949, and passed away on Tuesday, August 24, 2021, at Friendship Health South Nursing Home. She had been in their care since July 2021. She had valiantly fought many health issues including surviving colon cancer in 1995.
She was a constant inspiration throughout to the many left to cherish her memory. She was the beloved wife of John Steven Hoagland (Hoag) for forty-two years having married on March 31, 1979. He remained a blessing to her throughout her long health battle. She was the loving and devoted mother of Lindsey Nicole Hoagland that predeceased her in 2009.
She was a dear and engaging friend to many, including long time special friend, Joyce Smith, that she has entrusted to write her final words; Pastor Tony (Flip) Ward for their long-time bond and his spiritual guidance uplifting her on many-needed occasion; and Fred Iraggi from her husband's days at Mid-point. His kindness and willingness to help brought much comfort after they returned to Blue Ridge in 2015 from Douglassville, Pa. In addition, surviving are her sister-in-law, Debra Hoagland; brothers-in-law, Roy and Bob Hoagland; cousin, Karen Thorn; and Rex and Janet Young.
Belinda and John followed behind their daughter in 2005 to the Philadelphia area after she graduated from UVA and continued her studies at Temple Law School, and beyond. We rejoice in knowing it was a glorious day when she returned home running a long side her Danes, in particular Moose, as she embraced her daughter, her angel affectionately known to her and John as Lil' Bug.
She also rejoined others that went before her including her parents Reuben, and Evelyn Smallridge; her husband's parents, John and Margaret Hoagland; cousin, Bob Thorn; and a childhood friend, Stephanie Kettendorf, from her hometown of Charleston, W.Va.
Her early teaching career began after graduating WVU and Graduate school from VA Tech obtaining her master's degree in one year. She taught in Fairfax and later in Bedford County at Montvale and Stewartsville as a reading specialist. She also developed a small reading company offering summer programs to students struggling with certain literacy skills. Education was paramount to her; she transformed many of these children into motivated individuals with the skills they needed to succeed.
Later she became an expert witness for several attorneys in the Virginia area. In this role, she was able to analyze and explain complicated material to a panel of jurist as it pertained to protecting children's rights for an equal education. She also gave speeches to Senate sub-committees about the Handicap Act and equality for all students, advocating for their rights. This act brought into law by Congress in 1975 required all public schools accepting federal funds to provide equal access to education for children with physical and mental disabilities.
Belinda was also a dedicated community volunteer being one of the event organizers for the annual Roanoke Festival in the Parks. During that six-year period in the 1980s, she was the chairman in sports which included the crazy river race where teams of racers competed in homemade boats made strictly from recycled and reused materials.
Belinda's greatest joys in life were family and friend gatherings, traveling, decorating, and baking especially cookies during the holidays that she shared with everyone including her daughter's classmates at Northcross. She was in her glory when college football returned for the season. Her happiness was always in seeing others happy and especially in the achievements of their children.
The family suggests that contributions in Belinda's memory to your local SPCA, or in memory of their daughter, Lindsey, to The Humane Society that supports both the protection of animals in the wild as well against trophy hunting, and animal testing. She and John were also active donors to The Roanoke Times Good Neighbors Fund.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Arrangements entrusted to Oakey's Funeral Service - South Chapel, Roanoke, Va., (540) 989-3131. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.oakeys.com.