Belva Brown Whitley, 78, of Pearson, passed away Monday, October 31, 2011 at her home.

Belva was born October 25, 1933, to Wesley and Arlene Conatser Brown in Romulus.

She moved with her parents at the age of ten to Pearson. She attended Cloverdale and Romulus Schools.

Belva started high school at St. Louis and graduated in 1952 from Asher High School.

She married Robert Whitley in Ada, and they enjoyed more than 55 years of marriage.

Belva had many activities. She especially loved the outdoors. She enjoyed working on the farm, riding on the tractor, gardening, raising cattle and race horses, having won more than 90 races in seven years.

Belva had a great zest for life and was loved by all. She touched many lives and will live on in spirit.

She attended Pearson Baptist Church and St. Louis Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents and son, Mark.

Belva is survived by her husband, Robert of the home; daughter and son-in-law, Jana and Ray Skinner of Norman; sister, Joy Isenhower of Pearson; two beloved grandchildren, Maris Skinner and Megan Whitley; nephew, Kevin Isenhower; daughter-in-law, Deborah Whitley; and many friends and extended family.

Visitation will begin 8:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 2, and continue through time of service. The family will gather to meet with friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 2.

Service will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, November 3, at Cooper Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Glen Peck, St. Louis Baptist Church, officiating.

Burial will follow at Romulus Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh.