Belle S. Spafford
| Belle S. Spafford | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| 9th Relief Society General President | |
| April 6, 1945 – October 3, 1974 | |
| Called by | Heber J. Grant |
| Predecessor | Amy Brown Lyman |
| Successor | Barbara B. Smith |
| End reason | Honorable released |
| Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency | |
| 1942 – 1945 | |
| Called by | Amy Brown Lyman |
| Predecessor | Donna D. Sorensen |
| Successor | Gertrude R. Garff |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Marion Isabelle Sims October 8, 1895 Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, United States |
| Died | February 2, 1982 (aged 86) Salt Lake City, Utah, United States |
| Resting place | Redwood Memorial Cemetery 40°37′57″N 111°56′21.84″W / 40.63250°N 111.9394000°W |
| Spouse(s) | W. Earl Spafford |
| Children | 2 |
| Parents | John Gibson Smith Hester Sims |
Marion Isabelle Sims Smith Spafford (October 8, 1895 – February 2, 1982) was the ninth Relief Society General President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) from April 6, 1945, until October 3, 1974. She served longer in this capacity than any other woman in the history of the Relief Society. Spafford also served as president of the National Council of Women from 1968 to 1972, traveling and speaking both nationally and internationally in that position. She served the LDS Church in a variety of other positions and capacities, including as editor of the Relief Society Magazine, founder of the church's social services program, and board of trustees member of the LDS school system. In all of her activities, Spafford consistently spoke of the rights and responsibilities of women.
Born on October 8, 1895, in Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, to John Gibson Smith and Hester Sims, Marion Isabelle Sims Smith was the youngest of seven children. Little is known about her childhood, other than her father died before her birth. She attended the Latter-day Saints University and Normal School at the University of Utah. Spafford went on to teach in Salt Lake City schools.
In 1921, she married W. Earl Spafford, whom she met at Brigham Young University (BYU). They had two children, Earl and Mary, and nine grandchildren.
Prior to serving as Relief Society general president, Spafford served on several stake Relief Society boards. She was then appointed to the General Relief Society board and named editor of the Relief Society Magazine, a position she held for eight years. In 1942, Spafford was called as second counselor to Relief Society president Amy B. Lyman, replacing Doona D. Sorensen. She served as second counselor until 1945, when she was appointed Relief Society general president.
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