Belma Susie Mae Johnson Dobson, 96, went to her heavenly home from Novant Medical Center on Friday, December 29, 2023. While our hearts break and miss her, we know that she had an exciting reunion with her loved ones in heaven. And more importantly, Belma burst with joy when she saw her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, Willie Johnson Jr., Sadie Donnell, and Mariam Shipp, a son, Glen Johnson Sr., and her husband James K. Dobson.

On October 6, 1927, Belma was born to the late Sarah Curry Johnson and the late Willie H. Johnson Sr. in Cherryville, North Carolina. As a child in the Great Depression, Belma learned how to work hard to support her family. Lessons learned during her childhood, would continue to influence Belma to lovingly make sacrifices for her family throughout her entire life. As an adult, Belma worked as a domestic worker in homes and at Baptist Hospital to provide for her growing family. She taught her children to have a strong work ethic, love, and respect for each other, and more importantly faith in God.

When James Dobson married Belma, he knew that she was a special jewel, his "Sapphire." Together, they lived a wonderful, exciting life in a home filled with generations of dogs named Koko, love, and laughter, all while watching games like Wheel of Fortune and Family Feud. Belma and James had a special love for each other and for all their children and "grands." Their home was on a welcome hinge to family, spoiling each of them with love and homemade poundcake, cookies, and other goodies. Belma and James were married for over 30 years until his death in 1996.

Belma was a humble woman who loved to spend time with friends. While living on Buick Street, she was a kind neighbor who tended faithfully to her flowers and backyard garden. On cool evenings, she would sit on the front porch swing, talking about the news or other life events. In addition, Belma attended exercise classes at the Rupert Bell Center, was the May Pole Queen winner, and played a mean game of Chinese Checkers and Spades. When she resided at Forsyth Court, she would ride her scooter down to the dining room to eat and chat with her friends.

For over 70 years, Belma was a member of New Jerusalem Baptist Church. She served faithfully in the Baptist Training Union, the High Point Missionary Association, as a Sunday School Teacher, and often as a lead singer in various choirs. Moreover, Belma loved to serve in the Pastors Aide, in the kitchen, and as a Church Mother.

In later years, Belma joined Fresh Wind Fellowship Baptist Church where she fully supported the growing ministry and loved Pastor Speas as her son. When her health declined, she shifted her focus to becoming a prayer partner and worship leader at home where she enjoyed private visits from Pastor and First Lady Speas and other church members.

Belma is survived by four daughters, Janie Brewton, Arthelia (Donald) Moser, Carolyn Canty, and Regina (Wesley) Dobson Johnson Manns, and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins who loved her dearly. Well done, thy good and faithful servant! Take your rest!

Mrs. Belma Johnson Dobson, 96, departed this life Friday December 29, 2023. Funeral services will be held 12:30 pm Friday January 5, 2024 at Goodwill Baptist Church. Interment will be held at Salisbury National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from  12pm-12:30pm at the church. Her remains may be viewed Thursday January 4, 2024 from 12pm-6pm at the funeral home.