Mary Josephine Bruce

Mary Josephine Preston Bruce passed away at age 93 on Wednesday July 8, 2020. Jo was born in Tazewell, Virginia on February 6, 1927 to the late Samuel Henry Preston, Jr. and Jane Harman Preston. Jo graduated from St. Catherine’s School in Richmond, VA and attended Casements Junior College in Ormond Beach, FL. Jo excelled in athletics. She was an excellent golfer and tennis player. While at St. Catherine’s she played field hockey and was named all Richmond in the sport. Jo was a lifelong member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Bluefield. She sang in the choir, was in the handbell choir and an active member of the Women of the Church. On August 11, 2013 she was honored by the Women of the Church in a special ceremony. Jo lived out her faith in many ways. In her later years she always had her Bible at her side along with a special Devotional Book that belonged to her Mother. Her legacy is filled with kindness, generosity and a larger than life, loving spirit which was evident to anyone who met her. Jo married Charles E. Belcher of Bluefield, West Virginia on August 9, 1947. Jo and Charlie had four children. Charlie died tragically, at the age of 35 in November of 1960. Jo married Garland Bruce in February of 1967. They were married for 45 years until his death in 2012. Jo was preceded in death by her two sisters Jane Preston “Jinnie” Roper, Ann Preston Vick and her brother Samuel Henry Preston III. Left to live out her legacy are her four children; Charlie Belcher (wife Jayne), Jay Belcher (wife Sharon), Jane Dobson (husband Jerry), and Preston Belcher (wife Laura). She is dearly missed by her six grandchildren Katherine Tierney, Jarrett Dobson, Patrick Dobson, Charlie Belcher III, Paige Sexton and Robert Belcher. Seven great grandchildren will also cherish the memories of their great grandmother. Jo also leaves behind a Special Friend, Ather Dye. The family wishes to extend a deep and heartfelt thank you to the caregivers and staff of Glenwood Retirement Home for all the years of professional, loving and tender care they provided to Jo. A Celebration of Jo’s Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations in Jo’s honor can be made to the Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2005 Washington Street, Bluefield, WV 24701 or the Bluefield Union Mission, 2203 Bluefield, Ave., Bluefield, WV. Those wishing to share memories or condolence messages with the family may do so by visiting www.MercerFuneralHome.com Mercer Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family of Mary Josephine Preston Bruce.

Mary Josephine Bruce

February 6, 1927 - July 8, 2020