The Okaloosa Arts Alliance (OAA) of Okaloosa County is a local arts agency that strengthens the county by supporting the arts through advocacy, education, and marketing and promotion.
L-R Carole Byrd, Helen Harris, Susan Kneller, Ursel Behnken, James K. Baughman, Amy Baty-Herbert, Bill Head, and Zoran Subotich
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of OAA Board Member, Becky Belcher. She served on the OAA Board of Directors for over ten years and was actively involved in the arts in our community. She will be truly missed.
Rebecca (Becky) Earwood Belcher died January 11, 2023 at the Fort Walton Beach, FL hospital. She was 73.
Becky was born in Nashville, TN to Don and Carmel Earwood, who preceded her in death. She was the wife of Byron W. Belcher of Fort Walton Beach.
Becky attended Alabama Christian High School and Alabama Christian College. She enjoyed singing in folk music groups and was selected Miss Alabama Christian High School. Later, in her working years, she was employed as a computer draftsman by Choctaw Engineering, and later Choctaw Associates, civil engineering firms of Fort Walton Beach. Becky had a great talent for creativity in all forms of arts and crafts. She was very active in community organizations, and served leadership roles in the Emerald Coast Concert Association, The Center for Lifelong Learning, The American Business Women's Association, and others. Her contributions were honored with several awards. In accordance with her wishes, there will be no public funeral service.
Becky was greatly loved and will be extremely missed.
Posted online on January 13, 2023
Published in Northwest Florida Daily News- https://www.nwfdailynews.com/obituaries/p0401833?fbclid=IwAR3rtXfR83bdXS71sdES1AKToycZafV09Jbu9lfcVVsLyY_HM9wtQhue7fQ
Amy Baty-Herbert, Executive Director
Board of Directors:
President- Marlayna Goosby- Grow Your Gift Conservatory of Music
Vice President- Diane Fraser- Emerald Coast Science Center
Treasurer- Susan Kneller- Grants Chair
Bill Head- Colonel (Ret), USAF, MSC
James K. Baughman Sr-Author
Jeanette Shires-Mattie Kelly Arts Center at NWFL State College, Niceville & NWFL Symphony Guild
Chris Reid- Musician & Young Philosophers Society
Cole Huffer- Enlightened Studios
Helen Harris- HH Arts
Zoran Subotich- DJ & Hope & Restoration Tour
Karen Reid-MS, LMHC, BCBA- Lotus Learning & Arts Center & Beyond Expectations, Inc
Wally Ratcliffe- Artist
Ursel Behnken-German Club
Carole Lee Byrd- retired artist & teacher
Gayle Vann-Regions Bank
Michelle Jannazo- Teacher & Grants Writer
Hanna Joensuu- Arts & Design Society