Obituaries

We now have over 7,000 obituaries collected about the interred here at Silverbrook Cemetery.

The obituaries are transcribed by the volunteers of the Friends of Silverbrook Cemetery from various sources.  If you see an opportunity for an addition or a correction, please email our obituary editor at obits@friendsofsilverbrook.org.

Kent, William T.

editor Obituaries

William T. Kent
June 6, 1822-June 26, 1860

Niles Inquirer, Wednesday, June 27, 1860, page 3, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

Funeral

The friends of the late WM. T. KENT are invited to attend his funeral at the Methodist Church, Thursday, June 28th, at 10 o'clock.

 

Niles Inquirer, Wednesday, July 4, 1860, page 3, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

OBITUARY

It becomes our painful duty to record the death of another of our highly esteemed fellow citizens, W. T. KENT, Esq., who departed this life on Tuesday evening, the 26th untime, after an illness of same over two weeks. Mr. KENT was a man of rare moral worth, and as an evidence of the esteem in which he was held by the people of this city, at our last city election, he was called by the public voice to a high and responsible post of honor, and elected as Alderman of the ward in which he lived, which office he filled to the day of his death, with great credit to himself, and to the entire satisfaction of those who called him to that post of honor.
Mr. KENT was truly a Christian gentleman, and as such was highly esteemed by all true Christians who had an acquaintance with him, and respected by those who lay no claims to Christianity. He was a member of the M.E. church, a leader of one of the classes in said church, in this city, and an efficient member of the Official Board of said church. He was a man of sterling integrity, who word was always reliable, and his promise as good as a note well-secured. He was a kind husband, an affectionate father, a good citizen, and a true friend.
How appropriate the text selected for his funeral discourse, by his true friend, Rev. Mr. Kindred, St. Matt. 25:21. His funeral was attended by a very large concourse of people, embracing the most of the members of his own church, and a large number of the members of the sister churches in the place, together with the entire City Council, and many other citizens, who manifested their respect for the deceased, by following his remains to their last resting place. May the blessing of God rest upon all these, and may His grace abundantly sustain his afflicted family.

 

Miller, Soren William

editor Obituaries

Soren Miller, of Niles
July 23, 2016-Nov. 20, 2019

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:27 am Monday, November 25, 2019

Soren William Miller, 3, of Niles, passed away unexpectedly but of natural causes on Nov. 20, 2019.

Soren was born on July 23, 2016, to Lisa Marie Ihrig and Clarence “Clancy” Miller, and he brought with him the love of the pure-hearted.

Soren was born in Goshen, Indiana, and had his first helicopter shortly thereafter to Riley’s Children’s Hospital.

Those who knew Soren can attest that he was a complete joy to be around. He was currently enrolled in Blossomland Learning Center. Soren enjoyed watching cartoons such as “Baby Joy Joy,” “CocoMelon,” “Puppy Dog Pals,” “Paw Patrol” and “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.”

Soren has lived a very short life but made a huge impact on the hearts of countless people. He shared his beautiful light of love by dancing to the beat of his mother’s drums and the strum of his father’s guitar. He taught us how to love unconditionally. Soren means “bringer of peace” in Scandinavian.

He is survived by his parents, Clarence “Clancy” Miller and Lisa Marie Ihrig; paternal grandparents, Clarence (Darla) Keith and Lynda (Frank) Miller, of Elkhart; maternal grandparents, Fred (Renet) Ihrig, of Elkhart, and Joyce (Danny) Lanyon, of Ranger, Georgia; aunts and uncles, Jason (Gretchen) Ihrig, Brian (Angie) Miller, Allyson (Kevin) Hammonds and Amy (Rockie McRoberts) Miller; cousins, Blake, Hannah, Autumn, Khelben, Durkin, Monica, Courtney, Rachel, Aidan, Calliopy and Destiny.

Services to honor Soren will take place at 1 p.m. with a time of visitation one hour prior on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2019, at Brown Funeral Home.

Photos, condolences and memories of Soren can be left for his family at BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.

Miller, Marylou (Brown)

editor Obituaries

MaryLou Miller, of Niles
March 13, 1930-Nov. 17, 2019

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:37 am Tuesday, November 19, 2019

March 13, 1930 – Nov. 17, 2019

MaryLou Miller, 89, of Niles, passed at home on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019, surrounded by her loving
family.

She was born on March 13, 1930, in Niles to the late Vernon Lee and Adeline M. (Burnham) Brown.

MaryLou was a Niles High School graduate, class of 1948. On Dec. 31, 1948, she married Herbert L. Miller at a ceremony in Niles. Together they raised five children.

MaryLou will be remembered for her 19 years of dedicated service to then Pawating Hospital (now Lakeland Hospital) in Niles. Early on, Mary’s life centered around her family, and she looked forward to holidays and time spent together. MaryLou loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had been a Girl Scout leader and was an avid reader.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Herbert; a son, Mark Miller; her granddaughter, Tammy Sue Miller; and her brothers, Richard and David Brown.

MaryLou is survived by her children, Daryl (Laura) Miller, Teri (Gary) Cooper, Steven (Donna) Miller and Scott (Laura) Miller; nine grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren, along with a host of family and friends.

A time of visitation will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019, at Brown Funeral Home, 521 E. Main St., Niles. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday Nov. 22, 2019, at Brown Funeral Home, with a committal at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution may do so to Caring Circle (Hospice at Home) 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, MI 49085.

Memories of MaryLou may be shared with her family at BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Arrangements are pending and have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles. BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Bays, David J. Sr.

editor Obituaries

David J. Bays
January 17, 1930 – November 20, 2019

 

David Jacob Bays, 89 of Niles passed away suddenly at his home on Wednesday, November 20, 2019.

Dave was born on January 17, 1930 in South Bend to the late James H. and Ellen L. (Kromiller) Bays, Sr.

On June 1, 1957 in Niles, he married the former Mona L. Jones.  They celebrated 62 years together.

Dave is preceded in death by his parents, his son David A. Bays and his brother Donald Bays.

He is survived by his wife Mona, his grandchild; Robert, great grandchildren; Tegan and Lane Bays and his brothers; James H. Bays, Jr. of Niles and Jacob B. Bays of Niles.

Dave worked for Tyler refrigeration where he retired from in 1985.

He was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Niles, the American Legion and Barron Lake Association.  Dave was an avid N.Y. Yankee fan.  Dave was an amazing athlete. He played baseball, football and basketball while serving in the Army.  He was briefly signed with the Chicago Cubs in 1949 as a catcher. 

Dave loved going fishing with Mona especially in the U.P.  He also enjoyed the Lawrence Welk Show, cowboy shows and University of Michigan. 

Visitation for Dave will be on Monday, November 25, 2019 from 1:00pm until the start of his funeral service at 2:00pm at Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home 615 E. Main St. Niles.  Burial will follow with military rites at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Memorials in Dave’s name may be made to Grace United Methodist Church in Niles.

Online condolences, photos and stories to share with the family may be made at www.halbritterwickens.com

https://www.halbritterwickens.com/notices/David-Bays

Johnson, Joseph B.

editor Obituaries

Joseph B. Johnson, of Niles
Oct. 28, 1966 — Jan. 22, 2019

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:43 am Friday, January 25, 2019

Oct. 28, 1966 — Jan. 22, 2019

Joseph B. Johnson, 52, of Niles, passed away from, injuries sustained from an automobile accident on Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019.

He was born on Oct. 28, 1966, in Niles, to the late Fay Alvin and Jo Ann (Barrett) Johnson.

Joseph B. Johnson

Joe had previously been employed through Wag’n Tails in Granger. He was an avid Notre Dame and NASCAR fan.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his father in October of 2018 and his mother, January of 2000.

Joe is survived by his siblings; LuAnn (Gene) Solloway, of Elkhart, Teresa (Rodney Sr.) Solloway and Fay Johnson Jr., both of Niles, David (Heather) Johnson, of Leesburg, Florida, and Shelley Johnson, Rita Johnson and Richard (Jamey) Johnson, all of Niles; 51 nieces and nephews, 49 great-nieces and nephews, and five great-great-nieces and nephews. He will also be remembered by his girlfriend, Peggy Smith and her children, Stephanie Miller and Joshua Krueger.

Funeral services to celebrate Joe’s life will be at 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019, at Brown Funeral Home, in Niles, with a time of visitation beginning at 3:30 p.m.

A private interment will be hosted where Joseph will be laid to rest at Silverbrook Cemetery, with his parents.

Memorial contributions may be made in Joe’s memory to Brown Funeral Home or to fundthefuneral.com/joseph-johnson.

Memories and photos of Joe may be shared with his family at BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles.

Clanton, Mary B. (Russell)

editor Obituaries

Mary B. Clanton
June 9, 1930 — Nov. 6, 2019

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:56 am Friday, November 8, 2019

Mary B. Clanton

 

Mary B. Clanton, 89, mother, grandmother, neighbor and prayer warrior, died peacefully at 2:03 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019, with family gathered around at the Hospice House in Roseland, Indiana, following an extended illness.

She was born on June 9, 1930, in Decatur, Alabama, to Irving W. and Ruby I. (Moore) Russell, and attended school in Decatur.

Mary B. Clanton

She came to Niles in 1952, and was employed at the former Niles plant of Simplicity Pattern Company and later worked for Niles Community Schools food service at Ballard School. She spent most of her time raising nine children and caring for her Regent Street neighborhood.

Mary’s membership at Michiana Christian Embassy in Niles was just one example of her devotion to Jesus Christ. She rose every day before the sun — and her children — for personal Bible Study and Prayer, but nine children in the house afforded no literal “Prayer Closet” space, so she turned the solitude of the bathroom into a private chapel. Having prayed for her family, she proceeded to shelter, clothe and nourish them, perfecting her homemaking skills, reserving for special events her Chocolate Gravy. She also found time to share those caring blessings with her neighbors, quietly tidying-up a home where illness had taken over or providing some unexpected fresh and warm baked good.

On Sept. 3, 1950, in Iuka, Mississippi, she married Albert Clanton with whom she celebrated the remarkable 53rd anniversary of their wedding prior to his death on June 6, 2004. They were sadly preceded in death by a stillborn daughter, Rachael Renee Clanton on Sept. 1, 1974; and Mary was also preceded in death by siblings Tennis Russell, Clovis Sandlin and Malcolm Russell.

Surviving family includes her children, Bonnie “Diane” (Dan) Jacobs, Brenda Clanton, Randy (Vicki) Clanton, Stephen (Ruth) Clanton, Becky (Dennis) Carpenter, Tim (Parny) Clanton and Michael (Ruth) Clanton, all of Niles, Kelly (Jerry) Withers, of Berrien Center and Jeremy (Kim) Clanton, of Niles; 20 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; and Mary’s siblings, Margaret Newsom, Autry Russell, and Greg Russell, all of Decatur, Alabama; and many nieces and nephews.

The funeral service for Mary Clanton will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, 2019, at the Michiana Christian Embassy, 1922 East Main St., in Niles, with Senior Pastor, the Rev. Jeffrey Whittaker of the church, officiating. Committal Services will be private on Tuesday at the Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 5 to 8 p.m. on Sunday and beginning at 10 a.m. on Monday at the church.

Arrangements were made at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 E. Main St. in Niles.

Contributions in memory of Mary may be made to the Michiana Christian Embassy, michianachristianembassy.com. Online condolences may be left at halbritterwickens.com.

The kindness, generosity and love that Mary shared with her neighbors and friends, and her devotion to her family, was all a testimony to her love for Jesus Christ, because He first loved her.

Shaffer, Michaelene D. (Huffman)

editor Obituaries

Michaelene D. Shaffer, of Niles
Oct. 21, 1967-April 18, 2019

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:00 am Monday, April 29, 2019

Oct. 21, 1967 — April 18, 2019

Michaelene D. Shaffer, 51, of Niles, passed away on Thursday, April 18, 2019, at her home in Niles, from Huntington’s Disease.

Michaelene was born on Oct. 21, 1967, in Paxton, Illinois to James and JoAnn (O’Conner) Huffman.

Michaelene D. Shaffer,

After graduating from Galien High School, Michaelene went on to raise her two sons while working factory jobs in the Niles area. She had a fondness for horses, loved the outdoors, and enjoyed watching crime dramas. Her greatest joy in life was being a mother to

Michaelene was preceded in death by her mother, JoAnn (O’Conner) Huffman, and her sister, Cheryl Butts.

Michaelene is survived by her father, James Huffman of Tennessee; sons, Earl (Jessica) Shaffer and Benjamin (Patience) Shaffer, all of Niles; brothers, Mike (Carol) Huffman of Benton Harbor and Jim Huffman of Michigan; She will also be missed by many family members and friends.

A celebration of Michaelene’s life will be held at Brown Funeral Home in Niles at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, 2019, with visitation beginning one-hour prior.

Memorial contributions in her memory may be directed to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America.

Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for the family at BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, of Niles.

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