Belinda Chapman McLaughlin, 74, of Charlotte, NC, passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at her residence in Charlotte, NC.

A Tribute to A Life Well-Lived . . .

Sister Belinda P. Chapman McLaughlin was born on July 18, 1951, in Charleston, SC, to the late Deacon John T. Chapman and Julia M. Chapman. On Sunday, February 15, 2026, while at her residence, Belinda transitioned from labor to rest. The middle of three children, Belinda was preceded in death by her two siblings, Jonzeeta Wright and John J. Chapman.

At an early age, Belinda received the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior. She was baptized at Morris Street Baptist Church where she remained a lifetime charter member. As an adult, she was a member of the St. Paul Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC where she sang on the Mass Choir.

Belinda received her education through the Charleston County School District - Immaculate Conception School (ICS) Class of 1968. During this time, she was one of the first students attending a desegregated school. Then in 1972, Belinda earned her Bachelor of Arts degree with an emphasis in sociology from Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC.

In 1990, while pursuing a career in Charlotte, Belinda met Johnny McLaughlin. Their first date was at the Open Kitchen on East Morehead Street. On October 15, 1994, with God as their center, Belinda and Johnny were married and remained married for 32 years, until her passing. For 36 years, they enjoyed each other’s company whether relaxing at home, shopping, playing card games, or traveling in and out of the country.

For 30 years, Belinda worked as a dedicated employee at the Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services as an Eligibility Specialist (Medicaid), Adult Protection/Child Placement. Then for 15 years, she worked at Friends of Black Children Adoption Agency.

Belinda was involved in her community. For 35 years, she was a member of James A. Shands, Sr. Chapter 670 where she was currently serving as secretary, and was a Worthy Matron ‘02.’ Belinda’s first job in Charlotte was at the North Carolina National Bank (NCNB). Her first apartment was on Freedom Drive located in the South Side of Charlotte. Her first car was a yellow Toyota Corolla. She was a fan of Luther Vandross and the Carolina Panthers was her #1 team.

Left to cherish and honor Belinda’s memory are her loving and devoted husband, Johnny McLaughlin; step-son, Warren Edney; sister-in-law, Betty Howard; nieces, Katrina Johnson (Bernard, Alexander, Cameron), Cicely Rivers (Shadir, Messiah), and Kia Wright (Hikaym, Leon and KaLeah); a host of nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and close friends, Bernita Taylor, Darryl Hamilton, Eileen Byrd, and Diane Scott.