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.

Anderson, Torriano L. Jr. 2007-2022

editor Obituaries

Torriano Lavon Anderson Jr.
Sept. 14, 2007-Oct. 22, 2022

Published on website of Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services:

Obituary of Torriano Lavon Anderson, Jr.

Torriano L. Anderson, 15, of Buchanan, suddenly passed away at Lakeland Hospital of Niles on October 22, 2022.

On September 14, 2007, Torriano was born in Niles, Michigan, to his loving parents, Torriano Anderson Sr. and Roenika (Sharrer) Anderson.

Although life was cut way too short, Torriano managed to fit more in his fifteen years here on earth than most people can fit in a lifetime. He was busy doing something from the time his eyes opened in the morning to the time his eyes closed at night. His competitive nature allowed him to excel in anything that he put his mind to. Aside from video games like Madden, 2K, and Call of Duty, Torriano competed in basketball, football, and any other sport that time allowed. His extreme athleticism gave him a competitive advantage in all sports but basketball was where he shined the brightest. During the basketball season he played for Buchanan Public Schools, and in the off-season he played for a variety of teams in the AAU leagues and the River City Basketball League. One of the biggest advantages he had was being coached by his dad, Torriano Anderson Sr.

Torriano wasn’t just an athlete, he was an academic as well, making the honor roll multiple times throughout grade school. He knew in order to find true success he couldn’t just use his physical abilities, but his mental abilities as well. His work ethic was second to none, he was willing to put in all the extra time it took to jump higher, run faster, achieve A’s in all of his classes, and work a little on the side to make some extra cash. As a kid, Torriano started working with Complete Lawn Care & More, learning responsibility and time management as he went. The lawn care team could depend on him to make sure the fine details were always taken care of. He was always hustling and finding ways to improve himself and his situation. He was a great example for all the younger kids in his family, carving an achievable path for those behind him to follow. He didn’t always enjoy kids but he was always very good with them. What he really enjoyed outside of his busy social life was raising his two pit bulls, Diesel and Max. Torriano Anderson Jr. was a well-dressed, smart young man who left a huge mark on his family and community. His time with us was cut short but his laugh, jokes, and magnetic personality will be cherished and remembered forever by his friends and family.

Those welcoming Torriano to his eternal home include extended family members and friends.

The family left to carry his memory on include his parents, Torriano Anderson Sr. and Roenika Anderson; siblings, Tierria, Talease, Torriana, Tajmire, Kelston, Teaven and Kaliyah Anderson, as well as David and Nate Sharrer; grandparents, David Withers, Audrey Moten, Debra Sharrer, Kathy Ellis, Willard Anderson, and Ricky Green; aunts, Amber Withers, Jamie Gray, Verna, Rachel Sharrer, Rikki Lei Gonzales, Jamie Gray and Nikkia Anderson; uncles, Lee Sharrer, Richie Withers and Eric Moten; as well as many other extended family members and friends.

Funeral services for Torriano will take place at Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services on Tuesday, November 1, 2022. Public visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. and run until the time of service at 12:00 noon. Immediately following the service, Torriano will be laid to rest at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made out to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services in the care of Torriano’s family.

Pictures, memories, and condolence messages may be shared on Torriano’s webpage at www.brownfuneralhomeniles.com.

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

Elmore, Isaac

editor Obituaries

Isaac Elmore, 78
Abt. 1934-July 19, 2012

Niles Daily Star, Published online 6:29pm Sunday, July 22, 2012

Isaac Elmore, 78, of Niles, passed away on Thursday, July 19, 2012, at Silverbrook Nursing Home. Arrangements are pending with Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Bowerman, Michael 1833-1909

editor Obituaries

Michael Bowerman
Nov. 4, 1833-Aug. 9, 1909

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Monday, August 2, 1909, page 2 col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

Michael Bowerman, one of Niles’ oldest residents, passed away at his home, 1101 E. Regent street, at 1 o’clock this morning, his death being due to old age and heart trouble, having been sick for nine months. Mr. Bowerman was born in Ohio, 75 years ago coming to Niles during the latter part of 1899. Mr. Bowerman is survived by a wife and seven children, the following five of whom are living: Mrs. Ella Smith of Kalamazoo, Mrs. Mary Murphy of Berrien Centre, Mrs. Chas. Edwards of this city, Perry M., and Z.F. Bowerman of South Bend. The deceased also leaves three brothers and one sister, John and Daniel of Niles, William of Kosciusko County, Ind., Peter of Mishawaka, and Mrs. Elizabeth McCuddy. The funeral will be held from the house Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock. Burial at Silver Brook cemetery.

Per Michigan DC—Born Nov. 4, 1833 in Ohio; died in Niles Aug. 2 1909 burial at Silver Brook Aug. 4, 1909 H.E. Price, undertaker

 

Clymer, Dudley Albert 1864-1909

editor Obituaries

D. Albert Clymer
Jan. 9, 1864-Nov. 3, 1909

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Wednesday, November 3, 1909, page 3, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

D. ALBERT CLYMER
Demise of Well Known Farmer of this Section

Dudley Albert Clymer, a well known farmer residing three miles northeast of Niles, passed away this morning at about 7 o’clock at the of Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Dick, 711 Oak street.

Mr. Clymer had long been a sufferer from heart disease and rheumatism. A short time ago he went to St. Joseph to take the mineral bathers but as his condition did not improve, accompanied by Mrs. Dick he went to Ann Arbor about a week ago. His case was pronounced hopeless, and as he was anxious to return home, Mr. Kick and Dr. Greenamyer went to Ann Arbor yesterday morning and brought him to Niles at 6:40 p.m.

About midnight Mr. Clymer lapsed into unconsciousness and passed away at the hour stated.

The remains were taken to the family home this morning.

Mr. Clymer was 45 years of age last January. He was born north of the city on the Niles and Berrien Springs road and had always resided in this vicinity.

Eighteen years ago Mr. Clymer was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude Fisher, who passed away about ten years later leaving three little daughters, Elaine, Mildred and Gertrude, and the father’s devotion and care for them since has been a beautiful example of parental love and their grief at their loss is most pathetic.

Besides the daughters, Mr. Clymer is survived by his father, C. Clymer, two sisters and a brother as follows: Mrs. J.W. Dick, Miss Daisy Clymer and William Clymer all of Niles.

Mr. Clymer was a man of most estimable qualities and had won for himself a host of friends throughout the community all of whom extend heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family.

For years the deceased had been a member of the Baptist church in this city.

Fraternally Mr. Clymer was identified with Niles Tent, K.O.T.M.M.

The funeral arrangements have not been completed.

Cutting, James J. 1858-1931

editor Obituaries

James J. Cutting
Aug. 14, 1858-March 9, 1931

Niles Daily Star, Monday, March 9, 1931, page 4, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

Niles News in Brief: FUNERAL JAMES CUTTING

Funeral services were held on Sunday in South Bend for James Cutting, for 30 years a member of the detective department in that city and brother of W.D. Cutting, retired member of the Niles police department. The body was brought to Niles for burial in Silver Brook cemetery. Among those from out of the city who attended the funeral and committal services were Mr. and Mrs. Frank Brown of Mt. Carmel, Ill., the former a sister of Messrs. Cutting; Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Cutting, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Cutting, Mrs. Paul Etzcorn and daughter, Jeanne, of Detroit, Cylde[sic] and Jack Cutting and Mrs. Etzcorn being sons and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.D. Cutting, and Robert Eyers of Cadillac. The returned to their homes last evening or today.

Marks, Thomas 1845-1931

editor Obituaries

Thomas Marks
Sept. 29, 1845-March 6, 1931

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Friday, March 6, 1931, page 4, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

Niles News in Brief: DEATH THOMAS MARKS

Friends will be sorry to learn of the death at 7:30 this morning of Thomas Marks, at the home of his son, Marcus at 1250 South 15th street. Mr. Marks had been ill for several weeks, and a recent attack of influenza, added to his advanced years and weakened condition caused his death. Mr. Marks came to Niles 6 years ago to live with his son, Marcus Marks, from Marion, Indiana, where he had been a farmer for many years. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Hester Marks, whom he married 47 years ago at Wabash, Indiana. He is also survived by four sons, Marcus, Harry, and Raymond, of Niles, and George, of Buchanan, and by nine grandchildren.

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Saturday, March 7, 1931, page 4, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

Niles News in Brief: FUNERAL THOMAS MARKS

Funeral arrangements for Thomas Marks, of Niles, who died Friday morning at the home of his sone, Marcus, include the funeral from the home of the son at 1250 S. Fifteenth street at 10 a.m. on Monday and the burial in Silver Brook Cemetery.

 

Green, Edward Lee 1942-2022

editor Obituaries

Edward Lee Green
April 26, 1942 ~ October 6, 2022 (age 80)

Published on Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home website:

Obituary

Edward Lee Green, age 80 years of Niles, Michigan, brother, uncle, handyman, outdoorsman, and friend died peacefully at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 6, 2022 with his nephew at his side at West Woods of Niles following a brief illness.

He was born on April 26, 1942 in Niles to George and Barbara (Hibbard) Hanes, but was raised by Barbara’s sister and her husband, Bessie L. and David D. Green who later adopted him.  He was a talented handyman, proficient in small engine repair, and was employed for several years at Briar Crest Townhouses in property management.  He lived most of his life on the family homestead on Platt Street, but as his health declined he moved to the apartments of the Niles Housing Commission, who welcomed him as a neighbor, friend, and valued tenant.

Eddie enjoyed the outdoors, and was often seen walking or riding his bicycle from the westside to downtown Niles, visiting with old and new friends along the way.  He was also a familiar sight at the edge of the Saint Joseph River where he enjoyed fishing.  At home, he was a great cook, capable of a wide variety of dishes, but best known for his bean soup and for his homemade sauerkraut.  He was quite a fan of the old westerns, and visitors would find those movies running on the television set whether anyone was watching or not.

As a younger man, in the winter Eddie maintained an ice rink on the front of the homestead, welcoming neighborhood children, and keeping a warming fire burning.  Very few of those skaters realized that he quietly spent the nights renewing the ice surface with buckets of water that he drew from a nearby cistern.

On September 24, 1982 at the Niles Salvation Army he married the former Linda J. Seward with whom he celebrated the twenty-fourth anniversary of their wedding prior to her death on November 24, 2006.  He was also preceded in death by his natural parents and adoptive parents, and by his brother-in-law, Floyd Hojara.

Surviving family includes his siblings, Carol “Sally” Hojara of Niles, Barbara Ann “Cassie” Duca of South Bend, Indiana, and another sister, Rose and a brother, John.  Also surviving are many nieces and nephews including Ron (& Margie) Hojara who – along with Sally – helped Eddie to maintain his independence.  Ed will also be missed by his longtime friend, Patty.

The family and friends of Eddie Green will gather at his graveside in Silverbrook Cemetery on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 to honor his life and share some memories.  Arrangements were completed at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street in Niles.  Online condolences may be left at:

www.halbritterwickens.com

While Eddie enjoyed solitary activities such as fishing and walking, and was a hard and dedicated worker rebuilding engines and resurfacing the ice rink, his best times were caring for people, neighbors and family, and Linda and Patty.

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