Belva H. Eiland was a kind and compassionate person who embraced life with dignity and grace. Her demeanor was quiet, yet she exhibited strength and courage particularly when faced with challenges and adversity. She greeted difficulties with hope and determination, received blessings with gratitude, and used opportunities to help others. Her life overflowed with love and kindness for her husband, daughter and family. Belva was born in Louisville, Mississippi on November 25, 1936 to Garland and Mary Haynes. She was a dedicated member of Friendship Baptist Church. Belva received her high school diploma from Camile High School in Louisville, Mississippi. 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, Mississippi, 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 charter member of the Chi Epsilon Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; the Lansing/East 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. In 1959,Belva was united in holy matrimony to Lonnie C. Eiland PhD. God blessed them with their only daughter, Tangee. She considered her husband; Lonnie, daughter, Tangee; son-in-law, Darwin; and grandson, Brandon, to be her most cherished treasures. She devoted her love and self to her family. Belva's greatest joy came from the quality time spent with her family. Belva was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Garlene Cooper. On September 24, 2012, Belva departed this life and entered into eternal life with her heavenly father. She leaves to cherish her memory: her loving husband, Lonnie; daughter, Tangee (Darwin); grandson, Brandon; and six siblings, Frankie Grandberry, Paul Haynes, Johnnie Gaines, Dianelle Carter and McArthur Haynes; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and treasured friends. A memorial service will be held for Mrs. Belva Eiland on Tuesday, October 2, 2012 at 11:00am at Friendship Baptist Church. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service.