Belle Parker Aakhus age 68, of Jefferson passed away Sunday October 26, 2025.

She was born the only child of Ralph and Elizabeth Cool in Richmond, VA and grew up in Raleigh, NC. After high school she attended Appalachian State University before changing course by marrying Ronald Wilson and joining the US Army. In the Army, she served in military intelligence as a Polish language interrogator. Shortly after her decision to join the Army, she was widowed and subsequently met Jeffrey John Aakhus while stationed in Germany. It was in Munich in October of 1984 that their son Jack was born. She always stressed the high value of education, and upon returning to the US complex a master's degree and later all but a dissertation toward her PhD.

Her second son, Daniel Tallak Aakhus, was born in March of 1992. The family subsequently moved to Jeff's hometown of Bemidji, MN, where she made her career as a special education teacher, impacting the lives of the children and families with whom she worked for many years. She and Jeff divorced around 1999. After retiring from teaching, she moved back to her home state of North Carolina, first to Boone and later buying a home in Jefferson around 2020.

She was courageous in following her heart and encouraged others to chart their own path as well, and to ignore the critics.

She was passionate. Always infusing deep meaning into her daily pursuits and into her interactions with others. Her long, sincere hugs will stay with anyone who ever felt one. She enjoyed music, and especially spending time with and listening to, her companion David Presnell. She was also a woman of deep faith. She believed in Jesus Christ and truly lived by his example.

She was known for her sincerity, big heart and selflessness. She formed deep, loving friendships that often endured for decades. She cared deeply for others, going out of her way throughout life to alleviate suffering through love and kindness. She had a special place in her heart for the weak, the sick, the injured, the handicapped and the elderly. She couldn't stand to see suffering and took it upon herself to help both people and animals in their times of greatest need. Both her personal and professional lives revolved around caring for and helping others. For the past few years, she served as a home health aide to many elderly clients, with whom she formed deep bonds of affection.

Her greatest role in life was as a mother. Her children had no bigger fan. No more supportive parent could exist. It wasn't just that she showed up as a mom, it was the way she showed up. Reading nightly to her boys, giving them a lifelong love of learning. The loudest fan in the stands at their games. Non-judgmental support though all of life's ups and downs. Unconditional love and self-sacrifice without hesitation when she was called upon.

She was also a deeply devoted and loving grandmother. There is nothing she wouldn't do to make sure her grandchildren knew that she absolutely adored them. She wanted to be an integral part of their lives and to make sure that they always knew and remembered what it felt like to be loved by "Nana Belle."

She is survived by sons Jack (Angie) Aakhus of Bemidji, MN, Son Daniel Aakhus of Jefferson, NC, Grandchildren Soren, Elin, Charlotte, and Daniel. Preceded in death by her mother Elizabeth Cool, father Ralph Cool, and stepson Robert Aakhus.

A memorial service will be conducted Saturday November 8, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00, prior to the service.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.