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.
Barbara Rudolph, of Niles
1935-Sept. 17, 2018
Niles Daily Star, Published 8:42 am Thursday, September 20, 2018
Barbara Rudolph, 83, of Niles, passed Sept. 17, 2018. Her family will gather for private services at Brown Funeral Home in Niles. Arrangements entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles. BrownFuneralHomeniles.com
Nancy C. Tracey, of Vicksburg
May 20, 1949 — Sept. 20, 2018
Niles Daily Star, Published 8:26 am Monday, September 24, 2018
Nancy C. Tracey, 69, of Vicksburg, passed away after an extended illness in Borgess Medical Center.
Nancy was born on May 20, 1949, in Chicago, to the late Kurt and Eleanore (Warmuth) Kuhnle. She is also preceded in death by a sister Kimberly Kuhnle.
On Jan., 31, 1969, Nancy married Hugh R. Tracey, Sr.
Nancy is survived by her husband Hugh and their children; Nicole (Thomas) Prestin, Hugh (Valerie) Tracey, Jr. and Corrina Taylor; grandchildren; Erik and Ivy Prestin; her sister Marilyn Metz; brothers Gregory and Kurt Kuhnle, Jr.; niece Shelly Miller and several other nieces and nephews.
When Nancy was younger, she was an accomplished swimmer and was very active. She loved to dance and met her future husband while out dancing. She and Hugh were so accomplished as dancers that they were often asked to give lessons. She courageously battled a number of illnesses as an adult, never giving up enjoying life and helping those around her. Later in life, Nancy loved going to Florida during the winter months. She also enjoyed puzzles.
A funeral service will take place for Nancy at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018, at Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home 615 E. Main St. Niles. Friends and family may visit with the family an hour prior to the service.
Burial will follow in Silverbrook Cemetery.
Memorials in Nancy’s name may be made to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital at shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/shc or to the Wounded Warrior Project at woundedwarriorproject.org.
Online condolences may be made to the family at halbritterwickens.com
Paul F. Yochim
July 09, 1924 - September 01, 2018
Paul F. Yochim, 94, of Niles, passed away Saturday, September 1, 2018 at his home.
He was born on July 9, 1924 in Dowagiac to the late Ferdinand and Natalie Yochim. On June 10, 1960 he married Beverly Mae Smith at a ceremony in Dowagiac.
Paul is survived by his wife Beverly; daughters, Lauri Mae Wood, Lisa Rae (Kurt) Fenton; 5 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; and sister Helen Wilson.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Herman, Henry, Harold; and sisters, Hilda, Henrietta, Mildred.
Funeral service for Paul will be held at 10 am on Wednesday, September 5, 2018 at Emmanuel Baptist Bible Church, Niles, with burial to follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles. Visitation will be from 6-8 pm on Tuesday, September 4, 2018 at Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan. Online condolences may be made at www.hovenfunerals.com.
Published at http://www.hovenfunerals.com/obituary/paul-yochim
Donna Bell DeForest, of Niles
November 26, 1935-July 31, 2018
Niles Daily Star, Published 9:11 am Wednesday, August 1, 2018
Donna Belle DeForest, 82, of Niles, died Tuesday, July 31, 2018. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com
Published at https://brownfuneralhomeniles.com/tribute/details/2231/Donna-DeForest/obituary.html
Donna Belle DeForest, 82, of Niles, passed away on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, at Lakeland Hospital in Niles.
She was born to Charlie F. and Mary Ellen (Fitzgerald) Robbins in Niles on November 26, 1935.
Donna graduated from Niles High School. On August 29, 1954 she wed Thomas O. DeForest, to that union three children were born. Donna worked for several years as a teller at First National Bank in Niles until her youngest child came along and she then chose to be a stay at home mom. Her grandchildren became her greatest joy, and she would do anything she could for them.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents; and a grandson, Nick Hansen.
Donna is survived by her husband, Thomas O. DeForest Sr.; sons, Thomas (Fawn) DeForest Jr. and Tim DeForest; daughter, Debra (Gene) Hansen all of Niles; eight grandchildren, Thomas DeForest III, Robert DeForest, Mary (Tony) Johns, Jamie (Chuck) Stockton, Mindy Hansen, Steven DeForest, Christopher (Jaymee) DeForest and Amanda DeForest; fifteen great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Emma Summers; brother-in-law, Richard DeForest Sr; and a sister-in-law, Jackie (Bob) Hess.
Funeral service will be held on Friday, August 3, 2018, at 1:00 PM with a time of visitation one hour prior to the service at Brown Funeral Home, 521 E. Main Street, Niles.
Memorial contributions in her memory may be directed to the Berrien County Cancer Services.
Daniel James Gordon, of Niles
Jan. 31, 1986 — Oct. 29, 2016
Niles Daily Star, Published 9:38 am Tuesday, November 1, 2016
Jan. 31, 1986 — Oct. 29, 2016
Daniel James Gordon, 30, of Niles, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016.
Daniel was born Jan. 31, 1986, to Daniel L. Gordon and Sheila R. Julian.
On Dec. 30, 2008, he married Erin Jeffrey.
Daniel attended Lake Michigan College. He had a passion for music and loved having family time at the park and going on bike rides. Daniel was a determined, strong minded and outspoken individual. He was truly one of a kind.
One of his favorite things to do was to play video games with his friends of nine years from all over the world. Daniel was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend.
He is survived by his wife, Erin; daughters Arriana Gordon and Bailee Gordon; father Daniel L. (Jocelyn) Gordon; mother Sheila Julian; sister Ashton (Anthony) Gladden; paternal grandmother Darlene Earley; maternal grandparents Wayne and Lourdes Julian; aunt Katina and uncle Mark; uncle James and aunt Angie; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Daniel was preceded in death by his best friend, Brooke Bailey.
The family hosted a celebration of life for Daniel.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Hoven Funeral Home in Buchanan.
Online condolences may be made at hovenfunerals.com.
Mary E. Hunt, of Niles
May 4, 1944-Aug. 21, 2018
Niles Daily Star, Published 10:32 am Tuesday, August 28, 2018
Mary E. Hunt, 74, of Niles, went to be with her heavenly father on Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2018, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, with her family by her side.
On May 4, 1944, Mary was born to the late Clemmie Hunter (Scott) in Jackson, Tennessee.
On March 26, 1960, Mary wed Jimmie Louis Hunt in Jackson, Tennessee. They moved to Niles, in 1964 where they raised their six children. Mary was a longtime member of Bethel Apostolic Church in Buchanan and also attended New Bethel Tabernacle Church of South Bend.
Her career began at Simplicity Pattern Company, in Niles, from there she transitioned to Electro Voice in Buchanan. She most enjoyed working in food services at Oak Manor Elementary School in Niles. Her children remember her as a wonderful cook, a devoted grandmother, and a devout Christian. Mary loved the Lord and was faithful to her church.
Preceding Mary are her parents, her husband, Jimmie; siblings, Hattie Mae, Jessie Ellison, Mildred Bray, Clara Weddle, Joseph Bennett and daughter-in-law, Tammy Hunt.
She is survived by her children, Cecil Hunt, of Niles; Frederick (Kerrey) Hunt, of Phoenix; Tony Hunt, of Niles; Marion (Glenn) Barr, of Niles; Carmella (Cody Martin) Hunt, of Niles and Darwin Hunt, of South Bend; twelve grandchildren; Lawrence (Asia), Cecilia (Matt) Cherisse (Dray), Brandon, Anjanae, Vanessa, Shaina, Jared, Keith (Nicole), Ryan, Nicole and Michael; 9 great-grandchildren; along with numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. Her dearest friends included Eara Berry, Christine Perry, Susie Young and Lisa Smith.
A Homegoing Service will be hosted at noon on Friday, Aug. 31, 2018, at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, 601 Ferry St, in Niles. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Michiana Hematology Oncology, PC at 5340 Holy Cross Parkway, Mishawaka, IN 46545.
Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for the family at BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.
Patricia Ann Joyner, of Niles
Aug. 19, 1957 — Aug. 11, 2018
Niles Daily Star, Published 7:12 am Friday, August 17, 2018
Aug. 19, 1957 — Aug. 11, 2018
Patricia Ann Joyner, 60, of Niles, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018.
Pat was born on Aug. 19, 1957, to Clarence and Juanita (Fee) Joyner in Niles. She attended Niles Public Schools. She is survived by her brothers, Larry (Patricia) Joyner and James Lynn Joyner, both of Niles.
Cremation has taken place. A Graveside burial will take place at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, August 21, 2018, at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at swemchapel.com.