Mary Elaine Davis, 63, of Osceola, Arkansas, and formerly of South Bend, IN, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, March 6, 2022. Elaine was born on September 16, 1958, to Delandis Cotton and the late Betty Jean Barnes in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Mary spent years working as a home healthcare nurse with Memorial Home Care. She later continued her employment with Teachers Credit Union before retiring and transitioning south to reside in Osceola, Arkansas. Mary’s most beloved and treasured job was that of a mother. She spent her life unselfishly caring and loving her children, grandchildren, and recent great-grandchildren. She loved to cook, read books, attend church, and watch Family Feud, The Young and the Restless, Bold and the Beautiful, and crime TV. She was preceded in death by her mother, Betty Jean Barnes, Her grandparents, uncles, and aunt Linda Barnes. Elaine is survived by her father, Delandis Cotton; children, Le’Andre (Kelly) Cotton of Valparaiso, Indiana, TyShaun Cotton of Indianapolis, Indiana, Anthony (Brenda) Hester of Niles, Michigan, Donte’ Cotton of LaPorte, Indiana, and Joshua (Danielle) Davis of Osceola, Arkansas; grandchildren, Harper, Tyona, Elijah, Jordan, Alyssa, Ja’siah, Chelse’ Donte’ Jr., Angel, Justice, DeShawn, Maryah, JaNiyla, Daniel, and Joshua; great-grandchildren, A’Marie, Michael, Donte III, and Rae Lynn; and many extended family members and close friends. Graveside services to honor and celebrate Elaine’s life will be held on March 25th, at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles at 2:30 p.m. Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for the family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, of Niles.

Knenah Shyree Kirtdoll, 42, of Niles, passed away after a long hard fought battle with cancer on Friday, March 18, 2022. Knenah was born on February 3, 1980, to James Berry and Debra Kirtdoll-Flemming. After graduating from high school, Knenah went on to attend college for social services. She was preceded in death by her mother, Debra Ann Kirtdoll-Flemming. Knenah is survived by her father, James Berry of Niles; children, Isaiah Syson of Mishawaka, J’Kayla Syson of Mishawaka, Jacob Syson of Mishawaka, Zhaneah Kirtdoll of Mishawaka; grandson, Justin; siblings, Nadia (Sherman) Waller of Fayetteville, Georgia, James Kirtdoll of Niles, Christopher (Danielle) Kirtdoll of South Bend Nichole Kirtdoll of Niles, James Hendrix of South Bend, Marcus Treadwell of Tennessee, Brandine Brown of Niles, Shawn James of Niles, Antwaun (Summer) James of Niles, and Ashley James of Niles; and many extended family members and close friends. Homegoing services to celebrate Knenah’s life will be held on Monday, March 28, 2022, at Noon with visitation one hour prior at Michiana Christian Embassy in Niles. Pastor Bryant L. Bacon will be officiating and Knenah will be laid to rest at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles near her mother.

On Sunday, March 27, 2022, the Rev. Willie L. Francis, Jr., passed away peacefully at home. Willie was born on June 24, 1951 in Niles, MI to the late Willie L Francis, Sr. and Aimee L. Harris. Willie never met a stranger. He loved people and imparting his wisdom and ideas onto others. He enjoyed family time, fishing, movies, firing up the grill, reading his bible, watching the discovery channel about animals, people, places and things. Willie was the second child of three. Willie’s employment included Rent-a-Center in Benton Harbor, of which he loved being of service to his customers and General Manager at Aarons Rent-to-Own. He was ordained as a Deacon on September 4, 2005 at New Good Hope Baptist under the leadership of Pastor James I. Robinson. He served there faithfully until he moved his membership to Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church. Willie continued to serve faithfully at Mt. Olive as a Deacon until he was called into Ministry as Asst. Pastor to Rev. Fletcher McAfee. This mentorship grew into a father/son relationship that Willie cherished. Willie was ordained as a Minister on August 11, 2013. Willie was united in Holy Matrimony on June 30, 1973 to the love of his life, Michele Elaine Hatcher. To this union there were two children. Willie is survived by Michele, his loving and devoted wife of 49 years; his two children, Stephanie Francis of Lansing, Michigan and Steven Francis of Buchanan, Michigan; two sisters, Betty Francis of St. Joseph, Michigan and Marcia McGuirt of Buchanan, Michigan; four grandchildren, Joshua Francis of Mesa, Arizona, Javarri (Melissa) Beachum of Diamondhead, Mississippi, Brianna Francis of Panama City, Florida and Brayden Dewaters of Niles, Michigan; his dog Jack; several nieces, nephews and a host of family and friends. Willie was preceded in death by his Parents. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church at 2262 Moulder Drive in Niles with Rev. Fletcher McAfee officiating. A time of visitation will begin on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. Committal services will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery. The family has asked that everyone in attendance to wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines. Condolences and memories of Willie may be left for his family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.