Czarina Belinda Mckee, age 73, of Benton, Arkansas passed away on Monday, March, 11, 2024 after a 14 year battle with dementia. She was at home surrounded by her loving family. Belinda was born on January 19, 1951 in Hot Springs, Arkansas to parents Charles and Czarina Acuff.

She was married to Bill Mckee for 47 years and had two children, Ryan Mckee of Rogers, Arkansas and Lauren Mckee Barr (John) of Raleigh, North Carolina. Belinda had 3 grandsons, Bennett Barr and John Sawyer Barr of Raleigh, North Carolina and Christian Lyon of Bella Vista, Arkansas. There was no deeper love than Belinda's love for her children and grandsons. Belinda is also survived by sisters Cherri (Chad) Wilson, Carol Armijo, Chrissy (Craig) Denton all of Conway, Arkansas and Cindy (Mike) Gates of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, sister-in-law, Ann (Glenn) Thames of Fayetteville, Arkansas and many nieces and nephews that love their Aunt B so much. Belinda was an incredible mom, sister, and aunt who made everyone laugh.

Belinda graduated with honors from Conway High School in 1969. She was very active in the school band. She played the clarinet and the piano, sang in the chorus and was very involved in her church.

Her passion for music and the Razorbacks took her to the University of Arkansas to double major in Voice and Music Education. Belinda graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1973 and her love for fashion landed her in Atlanta, Georgia attending The Bauder Fashion College. She graduated from The Bauder Fashion College in 1974 with a double major in Fashion Merchandising and Professional Modeling. Belinda moved back to Arkansas and was employed by M.M. Cohn Company in Little Rock where she began her successful career as a buyer/fashion merchandiser.

Belinda retired from M.M. Cohn Company to stay at home with Lauren and Ryan. Her love for children led her to the Bauxite School District where she worked as a Paraprofessional at Bauxite High School and Bauxite Elementary School for 18 years. Her Bauxite family was very important to her. She loved the Miners.  During those 18 years, she did return to fashion merchandising for 6 years as a buyer for Gene Lockwoods in Little Rock.

Belinda and Bill attend The First United Methodist Church in Benton where she sang in the Choir until her illness took that away from her. She is well known in the Benton community through the many activities she stayed involved in for as long her health would allow. Belinda also cherished her church family who continued to support her and Bill during these tough years. She loved watching the Razorbacks, baseball, and sharing time with her small group. More than anything, she treasured her visits to Florida and the beach. The beach was her happy place and gives the family many memories full of sunshine.

Memorial contributions can be made to First United Methodist Church Youth Group of Benton.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at First United Methodist Church in Benton, Arkansas. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the Christian Life Center.

Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com