Belva Eiland, PhD East Lansing Age 75, was born in Louisville, MS, on November 25, 1936 to Garland and Mary Haynes, passed away on September 24, 2012. She was a dedicated member of Friendship Baptist Church. Belva received her high school diploma from Camile High School in Louisville, MS. After completing high school, she earned a Bachelor's degree from Jackson State University, and Masters and PhD degrees from Michigan State University. Belva began her career teaching social studies at Louisville High School. After moving to Brookhaven, MS, Belva continued teaching at Alexander High School, and was recently honored as a Grand Marshall at the high school's reunion. For nearly 30 years, Belva faithfully served as an educator in the Lansing School District. She joined the Lansing School District in 1970 as a fourth grade teacher at Cedar Elementary School. Belva later taught at Forest View, Riddle and Lyons elementary schools before becoming a reading teacher in 1980. She retired from the Lansing School District in 1999. After her retirement, Belva was an avid contributor in support of many community and service organizations, including Meals on Wheels, Susan G. Komen, Haven House and Black Child and Family Institute. Belva was a member of the Chi Epsilon Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority; the Lansing Chapter of The Links, Incorporated; the Silhouettes of Kappa Alpha Psi; and Phi Delta Kappa. She was also a life member of the NAACP. Belva's greatest joy came from the quality time spent with her family. She enjoyed traveling with her family and family Scrabble games. She is survived by her devoted husband of 53 years, Dr. Lonnie C. Eiland; daughter, Tangee Gibson (Darwin); grandson, Brandon; and six siblings, Frankie Grandberry, Garlene Cooper (deceased), Paul Haynes, Johnnie Gaines, Dianelle Carter and McArthur Haynes. A family hour and memorial service will be held on Tuesday, October 2, 2012 at Friendship Baptist Church, 2912 Pleasant Grove, Lansing, MI at 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., respectively. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association at www.Lung.org. Arrangements entrusted to Riley Funeral Home.

Published in Lansing State Journal on September 30, 2012