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.

DeShazer, Ronnie Dean

Ronnie DeShazer, of Niles
July 11, 1953-Jan. 14, 2020

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:57 am Friday, January 17, 2020

Ronnie DeShazer, 67, of Niles, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. Arrangements pending with Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles. BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Also: https://brownfuneral.funeraltechweb.com/tribute/details/2641/Ronnie-DeShazer/obituary.html#tribute-start

Obituary of Ronnie Dean DeShazer

Ronnie Dean DeShazer, 66, of Niles, had his sunset at his home on January 14, 2020. Ronnie was born on July 11, 1953, in Niles, to the late Fred Pearson and Ethel Mae Maxwell. He grew up in a large family, with thirteen brothers and sisters. Ronnie graduated from Brandywine High School and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1974. He proudly served his country until his honorable discharge in 1976. After his service, Ronnie joined M&M Railroad, where he constructed railroads, eventually retiring in 2012. Ronnie cared deeply about his family and placed them first in his life. He also greatly enjoyed spending time outdoors, either gardening or fishing. He liked to build model cars and put together puzzles. He loved listening to music, and could often be found dancing to whatever music was playing. He found joy in being able to prepare food, both by cooking and grilling. He is preceded in death by his parents; and his siblings, Farries Maxwell Jr., and Freddie Pearson. Ronnie is survived by the love of his life, Margo Reum of Niles; children, Angela Parchman of Jackson, Tennessee, Candy (Noah) Smith of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Charles Thomas of Chicago, Illinois, Cortez Parchman of Niles, Michigan, Heather (Jeff) Lavigne of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Lisa Phelps of Niles, Michigan, Ronnie Barnaby of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Roxanne Phelps, of Niles, Michigan; grandchildren, Akyla Barnaby, Andrew Smith, Brian Macklin Jr., Brittany Parchman, Corterryana Parchman, Cortez Parchman Jr., Courtney Parchman Sr., Danielle Marshall, Devarron Thomas, Jasmine K.B. Smith, Jazmine Lynn Smith, Marquena Parchman, and Ron'Tae Pove; siblings, Anne Maxwell of Boston, Massachusetts, Betty (Greg) Donley of South Bend, Indiana, Cunette Heron of Niles, Michigan, Dottie Davis of Las Vegas, Nevada, Ella Maxwell of South Bend, Indiana, Jeanette Pearson of Niles, Michigan, Jennifer Pearson of South Bend, Indiana, Mary Jackson of South Bend, Indiana, Pamela Bray of Buchanan, Michigan, Vernon Pearson of Niles, Michigan, and Willie Pearson of Niles, Michigan; sister-in-law, Lillie Maxwell; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and close friends. Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, January 23, 2020, at Brown Funeral Home, 521 E. Main St. Niles.

Brann, Mona Ruth (Alston)

Mona Brann, of Niles
Aug. 20, 1940-Jan. 14, 2020

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:43 am Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Mona Brann, 79, of Niles, passed on Jan. 9, 2020. Funeral services will be at noon on Friday, Jan. 17, 2020, with visitation beginning at 11 a.m. at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church. BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Also: https://brownfuneral.funeraltechweb.com/tribute/details/2640/Mona-Brann/obituary.html#tribute-start

Obituary of Mona Ruth Brann

Mona R. Brann, 79, of Niles, passed away on January 9, 2020, at St. Joseph Health System in Mishawaka, Indiana. She was born on August 20, 1940, in Union City, Tennessee to the late John and Mary Alston. Mona wed Jerry E. Brann Sr. on August 6, 1960. Together Mona and Jerry owned and operated Brann Adult Foster Care Home in Niles. She was also certified as a beautician and looked forward to time with her clients. Family was extremely important to Mona and she cherished the moments they were together. Preceding her in death are her parents and eleven siblings. She is survived by her husband, Jerry E. Brann Sr. of Niles; her children, Barry Brann and Jerry Wayne Brann, both of Niles and Karen Brann of Portage, Indiana; fourteen grandchildren and a host of great-grandchildren. She will also be missed by her sister, Katherine Harmon of Union City, Tennessee along with countless nieces, nephews, and other family members. Funeral services will be held at Noon on Friday, January 17, 2020, at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Niles with Pastor Bryant L. Bacon Sr. officiating. A time of visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Committal services will follow the service at Silverbrook Cemetery.

 

Roscoe, Shirley Jean (Hatcher)

Shirley Jean Roscoe
Nov. 3, 1944-Oct. 30, 2013

South Bend (Indiana) Tribune, Saturday, November 2, 2013, page C3, col. 5.

NILES-- Shirley Jean Roscoe, 68, of Niles, MI, passed away Wednesday, October 30, 2013, at her home.

Shirley was born November 3, 1944, in Niles, MI to Lee and Kathryn Hatcher. On November 18, 1972, she married Willie B Roscoe, in Niles, MI.

Shirley is survived by her husband, and children; Harley Hatcher of Niles, Hugh (Pamela) Hatcher St. of Niles, Anthony B. Williams of Memphis, TN, Bonita (Jerry) Mance of Niles, Kevin (Wendy) Hatcher Sr. of Cassopolis and Willie (Malika) Roscoe of Warsaw, IN; stepchildren: Sharon Patterson, Jimmie Lee Roscoe, Ruthie Roscoe and Mark Wilson, and one sister, Michele Elaine (Willie) Francis of Buchanan.

Visitation will be held Monday, November 4, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. with a service to follow at 12:00p.m. at Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church, 2262 Moulder Drive, Niles, MI 49120.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan, Michigan.

Online condolences my be made at www.hovenfunerals.com.

Solomon, Mable (Finley) 1887-1971

Mable Finley Solomon
Feb 18, 1887-Jan. 17, 1971

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Monday, January 18, 1971, page 2, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

NILES—Mrs. Mable Finely[sic] Solomon, 83, of 703 N. Sixth St., died at 12:05 p.m. Sunday in Pawating Hosptial after an illness of one month.

Mrs. Solomon was born Feb. 18, 1887, in Niles, and had lived in the area all her life. Her husband, Bush, died in 1961. She was a member of the Franklin A.M.E. Church.

Survivors include three daughters, Mrs. Logan (Alice) Brown of Niles, Mrs. Wilford (Thelma) Gibson of Jackson and Mrs. Walter (Marlyn) Thomas of Englewood, N.J.; eight grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Halbritter Funeral Home, with the Rev. C.E. Wilson of the Franklin A.M.E. Church officiating. Burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery.

Friends may call after 1 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Tuesday, January 19, 1971, page 2, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

NILES--In addition to survivors listed in Monday's obituary, Mrs. Mable Findley Solomon, 703 N. Sixth St., is survived by a son, Allen H. Findley of Adrian, Mich.

South Bend (Indiana) Tribune, Monday, January 18, 1971, page 8

NILES-- Mrs. Mable Finley Solomon, 83, 703 N. 6th St., died at 12:05 p.m. in Pawating Hospital. After an Illness of one month. She was born Feb 18, 1887 in Niles. Her husband, Bush, died in 1961. She is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Logan Brown of Niles, Mrs. Wilford Gibson of Jackson, Mich., and Mrs Walter Thomas of Englewood, N.J.; a son, Allen of Adrian, Mich.; eight grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Halbritter Funeral Home with Rev. C.E. Wilson, pastor of the Franklin A.M.E. Church, officiating. Burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery. Friends may call after 1 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home.

Note:  Deceased was daughter of Wm. P. Finley and married Rev. Peter Findley; after his death, she married Bush Solomon.

Robbins, Marjorie (McKinney)

Aura Marjorie (McKinney) Robbins
June 17, 1923-June 21, 2002

 

South Bend Tribune, South Bend, IN, Sunday, June 30, 2002, page 28, 29

Aura Marjorie Robbins, 79, a life-long resident of Niles, Mich., died following an extended illness on Friday, June 21, in the residence of her son, Robert, in Woodinville, Wash.

She was born June 17, 1923, In Niles, to William and Aura (Barr) McKinney. Her parents, one brother, Earl Worrell of Niles, and one sister, Ella Ridinger of Brownsville, Ore., preceded her in death.

Marge was employed as a secretary at Brandywine High school for many years until her retirement in 1988.

She was a member of the Fist Presbyterian Church in Niles, and was an avid reader and a fan of Michael Jordan. Marge taught two generations of nieces and nephews to to wash a window properly.

On Dec. 26, 1941, in Cheyenne, Wyo., she married Robert A. Robbins, a pilot during World War II with the 868th Bombardment Squadron, 13th Air Force. He died in combat on April 1, 1944, and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Marge is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Robert J. and Coreen Robbins of Woodinville; two granddaughters, Alexandra and Julia Robbins of Woodinville; her sister, Mary L. Johnson of Edwardsburg, Mich.; and by numerous nieces and nephews whom she treated like her own children.

A memorial service for Aura Marjorie Robbins will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 2, in the First Presbyterian Church, with the Reverend Doctor Ronald H. Wakeman officiating. Interment will be at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services in the church.

Contributions in memory of Marge may be made to the Low Vision Group, to the Cass County Council on Aging, Cassopolis, Mich., or to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Wash.

Arrangements are by the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles.

 

Lacey, Obed Pierpont 1810-1844

Obed Pierpont Lacey*
1810-March 13, 1844

 

Niles Republican, Niles, MI, Thursday, May 6, 1886, page 5 col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

 

Early Legislative Day, No., 7

 

EDITOR REPUBLICAN—Berrien county was represented in the 7th State Legislature by Hon. Alonzo Bennett, then a resident of Berrien Springs, where he held the office of county clerk, but who was one of the pioneers of New Buffalo where he still resides, a highly respected citizen.

To the eighth Michigan State Legislature, Hon. Obed P. Lacey, of Niles, was elected in November 1842, and took his seat in the House of Representatives which convened in Detroit January 9, 1843, continuing in session until March 9. Hon. Robert McClelland, of Monroe, was elected Speaker of the House, and the Hon. Edwin H. Lothrop, of Schoolcraft, speaker pro tempore, both of them first class men, and the body was composed of exceptionally able men, and in this respect has never been excelled by any Legislature elected in the State. In this assembly, Mr. Lacey was a conspicuous member. This Senatorial District, then numbered the 5th, took in a goodly portion of the south-west part of the State, comprising the counties of Ionia, Kent, Allegan, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, Cass, Berrien and Van Buren, and was represented by Hon. George Redfield of Cass county, Mr. Lewis F. Sharkey, of Kalamazoo, and Hon. Digby V. Bell, of Ionia, all solid, able men, who looked carefully to the rights of their constituents and the interests of the District.

This was the first legislative experience of Mr. Lacy, but he was a man of rare ability, fully equal to the position, and acquitted himself with credit.

Mr. Lacey was a great reader and took pains to well informed and thoroughly conversant on all subjects which came before him, and after giving a matter his usual investigation he was fully prepared to discuss any subject which came before him. He was a clear headed, brainy man.

Mr. Lacey was a native of Virginia, where he was born in 1910. His father, Ephraim Lacey, who was one of the first residents of Niles, emigrated to Richmond, Indiana in 1822, from whence he came with his family to Niles. Obed P. Lacey came to Niles in the fall of 1828 and spent the following winter hunting and trading with the Indians. After the land was surveyed and placed on the market, Ephraim Lacey, Elijah Lacey, S.B. Walling and William Justice, purchased the land and laid out the first plat of the village, to which Obed P. Lacey gave the name Niles, in honor of the Niles Register, of Baltimore, a weekly journal of which he was an ardent admirer. When the township was organized, the same name was given it and Obed P. Lacey was the first township clerk. He was proprietor of two additions in the original village of Niles and also of West Niles, and built the first bridge across the St. Joseph River at Niles. He was a man of sturdy, vigorous type, bold, frank, honest, liberal, tender and true, a man of rigorous intellect, a careful student. He died suddenly March 13, 1844, at the early age of 34 years, deeply regretted by a side circle of acquaintances and friends. OLD SETTLER

 

*This is not an obituary but rather a memoir published several years after the death.

 

 

 

Jauch, John M. 1876-1937

John M. Jauch
Oct. 19, 1876-March 6, 1937

 

Niles Daily Star, Saturday, March 6, 1937, page 1, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

 

JOHN M. JAUCH, 60, RESIDENT OF NILES 36 YEARS, STRICKEN

Death Terminates Two Years' of Illness; Services Set for Monday

 

John M. Jauch, 60, a resident of Niles for the past 36 years, died at 12:15 o'clock this morning at his home, 931 Oak street. He had been ailing for the past two years.

Prior to his illness Mr. Jauch had been employed in the lithograph department of the National Printing and Engraving company. He moved to Niles with the company from Chicago in 1901.

He was born in Chicago, Oct. 19, 1975. He was married to Miss Lillian Tormey by the Rev. Fr. V.F. Ducat in the rectory of St. Mary's Roman Catholic church, Aug. 31, 1905.

He was an active member of the Niles lodge, No. 1322 B.P.O.E. and the Modern Woodmen of America.

Besides his wife, he is survived by three daughters, Dorothy, a nurse in Pawating hospital, Betty, a nurse in the University of Michigan hospital; Eleanor, living at home; one son, John, at home; three sisters, Mrs. Mary Umbach, Glenn Ellyn, Ill.; Mrs. William Klebe, Oak Park, Ill., and Mrs. William Gingrich, Grand Rapids; also one brother, Fred Jauch, Oak Park, Ill.

The Rev. T.O. Lee of the First Methodist church will conduct funeral services at 3:30 o'clock Monday afternoon. Int he Rutherford funeral home. Burial will be in Silverbrook cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral home to view the body.

 

 

Niles Daily Star, Monday, March 8, 1937, page 2, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

 

Niles News in Brief: JAUCH RITES HELD

 

Final rites for John M. Jauch, 60, who died at his home 921 Oak Street, early Saturday morning, were held at 3:30 o'clock this afternoon at the Rutherford funeral [home]. The Rev. T.O. Lee, of the First Methodist church, conducted the service. Burial was in Silverbrook cemetery.

John Huff, William Stout, Charles Eisenbeal, Arthur Stone, George Corell and Harry Lardner served as pallbearers. The Niles lodge of Elks had charge of the services at the grave.