Belle Branson Fitzgerald Neighbors, age 91, of Wytheville, Virginia, passed away peacefully at her home on the farm on Saturday, May 9, 2026, after battling ongoing health struggles. Belle and her devoted husband, Jack, were married for 60 loving years. Mrs. Neighbors was a retired schoolteacher who taught art in Wytheville and Wythe County. For several years, she was an adjunct art instructor at Wytheville Community College. Belle was a graduate of George Wythe High School and Longwood College. Mrs. Neighbors was preceded in death by her son, Andrew Jackson Neighbors; her sister, Sandy Tarter of Wytheville; and her parents, Mr. Pryor Jr. and Mrs. Ina Belle Fitzgerald. Survivors include her husband, A. Jack Neighbors; her daughter, Sarah Belle, and son-in-law, Samuel Keeble, of Chesterfield, Virginia; two grandchildren, Carson Adam and Sydney-Allen Belle Whitmore, of Chesterfield, Virginia; her nieces, Jennifer and Kathy Tarter, of Wytheville; and extended family.

Mrs. Neighbors served on the Chautauqua Festival Board and, for many years, exhibited her watercolor paintings at the festival. She especially enjoyed visiting with her friends, fellow artists, and former students. In 1963, Belle was named a Virginia Artist of the Year. Her art collage was exhibited for a year at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond, Virginia. She was a dedicated member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, having served in various capacities, including Sunday school teacher, choir member, and Bible Study teacher. A recipient of the Laity Award, she also served in the community as a lay speaker of the United Methodist Church. Mrs. Neighbors was honored to be a member of the Stuart Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, having served as regent for two terms. She also proudly served in the Stuart-Wilderness Road Chapter after its unification in 2013. Belle was a very special person and was loved by many in her community. She had many unique talents and gifts that she used to serve and glorify God. She and her husband, Jack, shared a love of art, music, and history, and enjoyed attending local sporting events in the region.

The family would like to extend a deep expression of gratitude to all the women who cared for Belle in her home for the past year. Kassie, Kelli, Cassie, Missie, Kathy, Julia, and others provided excellent, loving care to Belle. The Caris Hospice group also provided exceptional comfort for Belle, including Lacey, Chloe, Tori, Laura, Amy, Chasity, and others. The above portrait of Belle wearing the hat was painted by her former art student, Mr. Kenneth Johnson of Wytheville.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3 P.M. Saturday, June 27, 2026, at St. Paul United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends at the church from 2 P.M. until service time with light refreshments following the service. A private inurnment service will be conducted later at the East End Cemetery in Wytheville.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church, 330 Church Street, Wytheville, VA 24382.

Expressions of sympathy can be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com

Grubb Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.