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.

Taylor, Leon Parker

editor Obituaries

Leon P. Taylor, of Niles
April 12, 1916-Oct. 25, 2019

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:00 am Thursday, October 31, 2019

April 12, 1916 — Oct. 25, 2019

Leon Parker Taylor, 103, of Niles, passed away on Friday, Oct. 25, 2019, at his home.

Leon Parker Taylor was born on April 12, 1916, to Caroline ‘Carrie’ Parker and John Granville Taylor in Lafayette, Indiana.

In 1929, they came to Niles and rented a house on Barron Lake. While the rest of the family lived in Niles, Parker continued his education in Chicago.

In January 1932, Parker graduated from Morgan Park High School in Chicago at the age of 16. He was a sexton for Calvin Center. Parker became a permanent resident of Niles in 1940, when he married Norma Finley. To this union, a daughter, A. Carol Taylor-Fowler was born. In 1972, an exchange student, Esther Quaroopome, from Ghana came to live with them. They considered her a part of their extended family.

In 1942, Parker was hired as a garage attendant for Clark Equipment Company. Shortly afterward, he was promoted to one of Clark’s executive chauffeurs. He retired from there after 32 years.

Parker was very involved in community activities. He was president of the Niles NAACP Chapter for 25 years. He also served on the Niles City Planning Commission. After his retirement, Parker started to bowl. He and his wife organized a Tuesday Senior Bowling League. He enjoyed bowling, and he continued bowling until he was a hundred and one. Prior to his death, Parker was able to roll the first ball in the city tournament named in his and his wife’s honor.

Until his health began to fail, Parker was very active at the Franklin AME Church serving in many different capacities.

Parker leaves to continue his legacy, a daughter, A. Carol Taylor-Fowler; five grandchildren, Denise R. Taylor-Fowler, Linda M. (Terry) See; Lisa (Michael) Busby; Andrea L Gammage; and Earnest L. (Kathy) Fowler; 17 great-grandchildren; 13 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Parker was preceded in death by his parents, Carrie and John G. Taylor; his wife, Norma; sisters, Dora L. Taylor, Alice L. White, Martha Bass, and Kathleen Taylor; brothers, John Taylor and Austin Taylor.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, at the Franklin AME Church in Niles, with a time of visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Memorial contributions in Parker’s memory may be made to the Carrie Parker Scholarship, Attn: Dina M. Kellams, Indiana University Archives, 1320 E. 10th Street, Wells Library E460, Bloomington, IN 47405-7000.

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.

Dixon, Floyd Sr.

editor Obituaries

Floyd Dixon Sr., of Cassopolis
Dec. 20, 1957-Oct. 24, 2019

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:36 am Tuesday, October 29, 2019

 
 
 

Dec. 20, 1957 – Oct. 24, 2019

Floyd Dixon, Sr., 61, of Cassopolis, died peacefully Thursday afternoon, Oct. 24, 2019, in the comfort of his wife’s presence in Center for Hospice Care in Elkhart.

He was born Dec. 20, 1957, in Greenville, Mississippi the fourth of 10 children of Eddie and Birdette Dixon.

He married Janette Dawn Coleman Jan. 26, 1979, in Pontiac, Michigan.

Floyd was a truck driver. His first love was his music and his second was his truck.

Floyd will be greatly missed by family and friends. He leaves to mourn his passing and continue his legacy his wife of 40 years, Janette Dixon, of Cassopolis; one daughter, Demetra Williams; one son, Floyd Dixon, Jr.; seven grandchildren, Terron Dixon, Jamese Dixon, Vincent Dixon, Sierra Dixon, Julianna Dixon, Dai’Majai Transou, Dijonna Williams; two great-granddaughters, Haizel Dixon, Aionne Dayhuff; 10 siblings, Ernestine (Earl) Crump, Eddie Dixon, Jr., Frankie (Julie) Dixon, twins Melvin Dixon and Marie (Brady) Williams, Carl (Kim) Dixon, Theresa (Brian) Gamble, Michael (Danita) Dixon; one sister-in-law, Felicia Coleman; two brothers-in-law, Frank Ellison, Jerome Ellison; one goddaughter, Keisha Williams; and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Floyd Dixon, Jr., Vincent Dixon; and one sister, Laverne Dixon.

Family and friends will gather from noon until a time of service at 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, 2019, in Michiana Christian Embassy, 1922 E. Main St., Niles, with the Reverend Jeff Whitaker officiating. Mr. Dixon will be laid to rest in Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.

Ray, Kenny

editor Obituaries

Kenny Ray
April 20, 1970-Sept. 8, 2019

Niles Daily Star, Published 12:31 pm Monday, September 9, 2019

 Reserve police sergeant killed in motorcycle accident

NILES — A reserve officer of the Niles Police Department died in a motorcycle accident around 6:50 p.m. Sunday.

Kenneth Ray was operating a motorcycle with a 44-year-old passenger on 17th Street near Broadway Street in Niles when he attempted to avoid a cat that ran across the road in front of him, according to Niles Police Department officials.

Ray lost control of the vehicle and it tipped on its side. No helmets were worn.

He was pronounced dead at the scene from injuries sustained from the crash, according to police. Ray’s passenger was transported to a hospital by ambulance, where she was treated and released.

No other vehicles were involved in the accident.

Niles Mayor Nick Shelton addressed Ray’s death in a Facebook post Monday.

“The community is mourning the loss of Reserve Sergeant Kenny Ray, who passed away yesterday after a motorcycle accident,” Shelton wrote. “I send my deepest sympathies to Kenny’s wife, Randi, to their family, and to everyone who knew and worked with Sgt. Ray.”

Ray had served with the city for 24 years.

https://brownfuneralhomeniles.com/tribute/details/2537/Kenneth-Ray/obituary.html

Obituary of Kenneth Robert Ray

Kenneth R. “Kenny” Ray, 49, of Niles, passed away on this Sunday, September 8, 2019 from injuries sustained from a motorcycle accident. 

He was born on April 22, 1970 in Niles to Ken and Vickie (Wallace) Key. Kenny would later be adopted and raised by Kim D. Ray and Vickie.

Kenny was a graduate of Decatur High School, class of 1989. Kenny married Randi K. Tweedy at a ceremony in Niles on September 8, 2007. Kenny was currently employed at Rose Pest Solutions and was a twenty-four year member of the Niles Police Reserves, where he obtained the rank of Sergeant. He was currently serving as the commander of the sons of the Niles Amvets, Post 1978. He was also a member of the Niles Fraternal Order of Police (F.O.P. 95).  Kenny loved riding on his motorcycle- especially family trips to Ludington, the Niles Burn Run as well as the Amvets riders, where he is currently serving as first vice-president.

Kenny enjoyed sports and coached and umpired baseball games for many years. He also spent many nights with family and friends playing darts and shooting pool. Kenny was also a jokester and relished in dancing, any time or place. Many will remember Kenny for his ability to talk to anyone, his generosity in giving to others and his dedication to serving people in the community. Kenny had a passion for animals, especially his three dogs. Kenny’s greatest love was for his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by all of his grandparents and his step-mother, Marla Ray.  

Kenny is survived by his wife of exactly twelve years, Randi K. Ray of Niles; his mother, Vickie Tighe of Niles; his father, Kim D. Ray of Tennessee; his biological father, Ken Key of South Carolina; his children, Carllie (Anthony) Bice of Niles, Paula Tweedy of Niles, Josh Fedeli of Buchanan and Kelvin Tweedy of Niles; three grandchildren, Syles Hodge, Addilyn and Clarke Bice; his sisters, Brandie Jo Ray of Newport, Kentucky and Rochelle (Matthew) Andruszkiewicz of LaPorte, Indiana; his mother-in-law, Pamela Hawkins of Niles. Kenny will also be missed by aunts, uncles, cousins and countless lives he has touched.

A time of visitation will be held on Friday, September 13, 2019 at Brown Funeral Home in Niles from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be Saturday at the funeral home at 10:00 a.m. An interment will be held at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made in Kenny’s memory to a charity of one’s choice.

Memories of Kenny may be shared with his family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

To send flowers to the family of Kenneth Ray, please visit Tribute Store

Morrow, Ellen L. (Jones)

editor Obituaries

Ellen Morrow, of Niles
Dec 9, 1930 — Nov. 21, 2019

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:52 am Friday, December 6, 2019

Ellen Morrow (Jones), 88, passed peacefully on Nov. 21, 2019.

Preceded in death by her beloved husband, Don; and sister, Anita Cogswell.

Survived by two sisters, Donna Drolet and Dorlene Sarratore; her three children, Lea Wierer, Kurt Morrow and Lyn Maahs; as well as eight grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

A service will be at First Presbyterian Church in Niles on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2019.

Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. with a service at 11 a.m. Fellowship luncheon to follow.

A private burial will take place at Silverbrook Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimers Association.

 

Ortmann, William Henry

editor Obituaries

William ‘Bill’ Ortmann, of Niles
Aug. 5, 1927 — Nov. 4, 2019

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:02 am Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Aug. 5, 1927 — Nov. 4, 2019

William Henry Ortmann

William Henry Ortmann, 92, was called home to Heaven on Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, where his beloved Barbara welcomed him with open arms.

The only child of William and Ida (Light) Ortmann was born on Aug. 5, 1927, in South Bend.

After graduating from high school, Bill enlisted and served his country proudly with the U.S. Army Corps, earning his Corporal ranking and serving in Okinawa.

With great joy, Bill wed the love of his life, Barbara Jean Robbins, in Niles on Jan. 30, 1946. God blessed them with 73 years of marriage before Barbara was called home to heaven.

Bill served on the board at the Jerry Tyler airport and always enjoyed the Oshkosh airplane shows. He began fighting fires for the Niles City fire department in 1958 and retired in 1982. He spent countless hours working on his Model A, but Bill’s passion was serving God; he served at Coulter’s Chapel in many capacities for more than 50 years, but many will fondly remember him and Barbara playing the guitar. He was a man with a kind and gentle spirit, full of wisdom and always an encouraging word. He was often seen with a smile upon his face, especially when someone served him a piece of pie!

He is preceded by his parents, William and Ida Ortmann and his wife Barbara Ortmann.

Bill is survived by his children, Judy (Jim) Cripe and Jim (Jacki) Ortmann, both of Niles. He will also be missed by his six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and his seven great-great-grandchildren.

A time of visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2019, at Brown Funeral Home. Funeral services to celebrate Bill’s life will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2019, at Brown Funeral Home.

An interment will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery with full military honors.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation in honor of Bill may do so to the Salvation Army, 424 N. 15th Street, Niles, Michigan 49120-0247.

Memories of Bill can be shared with his family at BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

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

Abdullah, Askia A.

editor Obituaries

Askia A. Abdullah, of Niles
July 7, 1969-Nov. 5, 2019

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:53 am Wednesday, November 13, 2019

July 7, 1969 — Nov. 5, 2019

Askia Ali Abdullah, 50, of Niles, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka.

Askia was born on July 7, 1969, at 11:11 a.m. in South Bend, to Yamini and Khalilah (Maher) Abdullah.

He graduated from Niles High School in 1988 and went on to attend Michiana Business College.

Askia Abdullah is the third youngest of his siblings. He had a strong impact on the people around him. As a child, he was very athletic and enjoyed playing sports such as basketball, baseball and swimming. This earned him the nickname “Flipper.” No other sport took him further than basketball, leading him to coach his daughter’s teams with his brother Hassan and instilling lifelong lessons through his love for the game.

Other hobbies he enjoyed were cooking and baking, which often lead him to hide brownies in his drawer from his mom and “bake offs” with his sister, Sahar.

Askia was an entrepreneur by heart, owning two businesses and the third being a transportation company helped run by his significant other, Kim Bromley. He was very intelligent when it came to creating income. Out of all his roles, none would be as important than the one he played as a father.

Askia was very firm and assertive in his beliefs teaching his girls “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.” He instilled in his children to know thy yourself, know thy history, have morals and to never give up. His last message to his family and friends is to “Become the greatest version of yourself while on this earth.”

Askia is survived by his parents, Yamini and Khalilah Abdullah; significant other, Kimberley Bromley; daughters, Khadijah, Khalilah, Zakiyyah and Malikiyyah Abdullah; two grand-daughters, Zaniyah and Zamira Jackson; brothers, Hassan and Omar Abdullah; sister, Sahar Abdullah; three nieces, Danielle Howard, Chalice Abdullah and Antreese Shelton; four nephews, Omar Howard, Rashaad Abdullah, Brandon and Byron Warren; special cousins, Cordell Gray and George “Baby” Maher; many aunts, uncles and beloved cousins; and close friends, Cory Brazier and Anthony Patterson.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019, at Brown Funeral Home in Niles. A time of visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow the service at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Askia’s memory may be made to the donor’s choice.

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.

Gillette, James C. 1928-2019

editor Obituaries

James C. Gillette, of Niles
Jan. 4, 1928-Nov. 12, 2019

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:47 am Thursday, November 14, 2019

Jan. 4, 1928 — Nov. 12, 2019

James C. Gillette, 91, of Niles, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2019, in West Woods of Niles.

Jim was born on Jan. 4, 1928, in Niles, to the late Dr. Clarence and Ruth (Wells) Gillette.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Margaret ‘Maggie’ Ossmer. He is also preceded by his brother, John Gillette, and his sister, Ida Mae Wiersma.

Jim is survived by his daughter, Sally (David) Gillette-Jones, of Antwerp, Ohio, and his son, Thomas Gillette, of Howell, Michigan. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Sara, Peter, Andrew and Charley; four great-grandchildren and his brother-in-law, Ray Wiersma.

Jim was a fifth-generation active member of First Baptist Church in Niles, serving in a number of capacities and always generous with a strong back and a truck when needs arose in the congregation. He was also a lifelong farmer known for growing apples, grain and raising hogs.

Visitation for Jim will be from 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 15, 2019, at First Baptist Church, 1446 E. Main St., Niles. A funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. in the church.

Burial will follow in Silverbrook Cemetery.

Arrangements have been made at Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home 615 E. Main St., Niles.

Online condolences may be made to the family at halbritterwickens.com.

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