Belvia Brockman

Belvia Brockman was our sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, mother-in-law, aunt, and friend. She was Bev, Mama Bev, and "Mad Dog". Of nine children born to Richard A. Dills and Lettie E. McCoy, she was one of five who survived their first year of life. Born April 24, 1927, in Hiawassee, Georgia, she grew up in a culture of hard work and providing for family. Her dad died when she was ten; the few pictures of her then show a sturdy resolute little girl. She left for Atlanta after high school, lived on 6th and Ormond streets, worked as a secretary, married, had a family, learned to drive, and continued to work. She never lost her stubborn sense of independence and practicality. Her response to the Cuban Missile Crisis was to get her coat out of lay-away.
She sewed most of her own and her children's clothes, as well as Barbie dresses and school costumes. Though always tiny, she made the best sweet tea and enjoyed food. She loved the search for great finds at yard sales and thrift stores before she decided "no more stuff". She was a fan of the Atlanta Braves, though her devotion lessened with the trade of Javy Lopez. A self-described hermit, she loved time by herself. She was proud of her Native American family ties and passionate about their mistreatment. Never judgmental (unless you were an official at her grandsons' games), she was patient with our boisterous family and grateful for every kindness.
She shared her spirit with us and you knew you were in her heart. She truly saw you and you knew you were loved. Her smile grew at the sound of happiness in the voices of the ones she loved. And though she knew she was powerless over the happiness of others, she said "but a wish is a wish." She helped many of us with the opportunity to grow our own independence.
She died to this life February 21, 2015. Her illness was long and she deserves this rest. Her God is one of Love and she felt she was spirit having a human experience. Toward the end of her life, she said she hoped it would be awhile before her next experience as she was tired from this one. In lieu of flowers, please consider showing your concern, either personally or through a charitable organization, for someone who may "just be getting by". There will be a gathering in her honor mid-March; email jbrockm@comcast.net for details.



Funeral Home:
A. S. Turner & Sons
2773 North Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033