The popular children's author dedicated her life to early childhood education and literacy.
Jane Belk Moncure, a longtime supporter of Elon University’s School of Education, died surrounded by family on July 30 in Mt. Holly, N.C., and a foundation has since been established to continue her lifelong passion for early childhood education.
The Jane Belk Moncure Foundation for Early Childhood Education provides children with the tools necessary to be successful in school and school-related activities.
In 2010, Moncure seeded an early childhood collection for the School of Education with a substantial donation of her popular books for preschoolers, which are housed in the Curriculum Resources Center.
Included are titles from Moncure’s best-known series of concept books – “Sound Box,” “Word Bird” and “Magic Castle Readers.”
“Jane was a champion for educating children who faced significant learning challenges and needed extra attention to succeed,” said Elon University President Leo M. Lambert. “In her 35 years of teaching, she helped transform the lives of generations of young learners and brought unending joy to many through her wonderful collection of children’s books. Jane graciously donated many of her books to Elon’s School of Education, ensuring that her legacy of helping children learn and grown will continue.”
Moncure was the widow of James Moncure, who served as Elon’s vice president of academics and student affairs from 1974-1982. James Moncure received the prestigious Elon Medallion in 2005 and was one of the administrators instrumental in establishing the first learning resource center on campus.
Their son, James A. Moncure II, serves on the university’s Martha and Spencer Love School of Business Board of Advisors.
Jane Belk Moncure’s writing was inspired by her 35 years of teaching young children. Her books have been translated into languages ranging from Spanish to Chinese, and she has earned multiple awards, including the C.S. Lewis Award and the Scholastic Teacher’s Choice Award.
Church services were held for Jane Belk Moncure in Fallston, N.C., on Aug. 2, 2013, with graveside services being planned for early September in Black Mountain, N.C. Contact Jim Moncure at jim.moncure@brightcompass.net for details.