Pearline Branham Belk, 87, of Columbia, died Sunday, March 18, 2018 at Rice Estates. Born October 10, 1930 in Winnsboro, SC, she was a daughter of the late Vince Branham and Maggie Peak Branham.

As the matriarch of our family, she was the ever-present center within the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. The holidays were always a special time for her to gather with family with Easter being one of her favorites. In addition to her love for her large family, she was always incredibly fond of the many pets she raised over the years. Among her hobbies, she loved working puzzles, following sports, especially Gamecock and Braves baseball, but most importantly she loved gardening and flowers. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Survivors include seven children, Louise Taylor (John) of White Oak, Jeanette Fink (Larry), Lavonne Maddox (Jack), Mamie Motley (Mason), Heyward Belk, and Janice Lee (Kerry) all of Columbia, Kenny Belk (Earlene) of White Oak; 10 grandchildren, Stephanie Mitchum (Robbie), Mike Fink (Christy), Bryan Fink (Elizabeth), Michelle Justice, Matthew Maddox, Jason Maddox, Eric Maddox (Michelle), Brandie Meetze (Mark), Kendall Belk (Brandon), Kayla Sloop (Chris); 13 great grandchildren; Taylor, Maddie, Izzy, Hudson, Blake, Grace, Hannah, Harrison, Noah, Nate, Dylan, and Ryan. She is also survived by a brother, Calvin Branham of Winnsboro; a sister, Nellie Anderson of Winnsboro; her beloved dog, Pearl; and many extended family members and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, HC Belk; one sister; and five brothers.

The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 o'clock, Wednesday, March 21, 2018 at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia. A graveside service will be private.

Memorials may be made to the Arthritis Foundation, 1355 Peachtree St., NE, Suite 600, Atlanta, GA 30309 or the charity of one's choice.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Kim Hunley as well as the entire staff of Rice Estates and Palmetto Senior Care for the exceptional care given to Mrs. Belk over the last three years.