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.

Franklin, Ethyl Mae (McAfee) 1957-2023

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Ethyl Mae Franklin July 19, 1957  -  July 21, 2023

Published on website for Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services

Ethyl Franklin Obituary

Ethyl Mae Franklin, 66, was called home on Friday, July 21, 2023 in Niles, Michigan.

Ethyl was born on July 19, 1957 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, to Charlie McAfee.

Ethyl was preceded in death by her loving daughter, Azzaria Gunn.

Left to cherish the memory of Ethyl is her son, Samuel (Tina) Moore Jr; mother, Charlie (Hulon) McAfee; siblings, Mary McAfee, Eric (Janie) Sales, Cindy Stokes; grandsons, Isaiah Moore, Samuel K. Moore; great-grandchildren, Aden, Promise, Aaliyah, and Baylee Moore; nieces and nephews, Tiffiney (Paul), Khyara, Jonathan, Davius, Gabriel and Zachary; many great nieces and nephews; uncle, Joe Willie Jackson, aunts, Sweetie Clayton and Ruthie Blackmon; best friend of over 40 years, Patricia Flowers; Mike (Kelly) Myers, her adopted family and her work family at Corewell Health.

Ethyl was a loving daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, niece and friend. She was a faithful member of Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church of Niles, Michigan, under the leadership of Reverend Fletcher E. McAfee, where she was a devotional leader until God called her home. Ethyl was a 20-year member of The Order of Eastern Star.

Ethyl, an individual whose life was filled with laughter, compassion, and devotion, has gone home to the Lord. Her soul, beautiful and radiant, touched the hearts of many, and she will be forever remembered for her kind-hearted nature and the joy she brought into the lives of those fortunate enough to know her.

Ethyl was an avid reader, her love for literature was evident in the countless hours she spent immersed in books. She had an uncanny ability to find humor in even the most mundane situations, making those around her laugh with her witty remarks and humorous anecdotes. Her laughter was infectious, and her sense of humor was a true reflection of her vibrant personality.

She was a straight-forward person, a trait that earned her the respect and admiration of many. Ethyl was also a devoted individual, always putting the needs of others before her own. Her love and devotion to her family were unparalleled, with her grandchildren holding a special place in her heart. She cherished every moment spent with them, her love for them was boundless and pure.

Ethyl was also a dedicated caregiver to her mom, a role she took on with grace and humility. Her selfless acts of kindness and care were a testament to her beautiful soul. Ethyl's passing leaves a void that cannot be filled, but her legacy of love, laughter, and kindness will live on in the hearts of those who loved her. Her memory will be cherished and celebrated, just as she lived her life.

Visitation for Ethyl will be on Friday, July 28, 2023 from 11:00am to 12:00pm at Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church, 2262 Moulder Dr. Niles, MI 49120 with a Funeral Service to begin at 12:00pm.

Memorial contributions may be made out to the family of Ethyl Mae Franklin, in care of Samuel Moore.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.

Photos, condolences, and memories may be left for Ethyl’s family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

 

 

Taylor, Gregory Allen 1950-2023

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Gregory Allen Taylor
October 12, 1950-July 15, 2023

Published on website for Elkhart Cremation Services

Gregory Taylor Obituary

EDWARDSBURG- Gregory Allen Taylor of Edwardsburg, Mi, known as GT to family and friends, passed away July 15, 2023.  Greg was born October 12, 1950 in Niles, Mi to Mariam Arlene (Clemens) Taylor and the late William Taylor.

Greg loved the outdoors, enjoying hunting and fishing most of his life.  He proudly served his county in the U.S. Army serving in Vietnam and Germany.

Survivors include his mother, Mariam Taylor, brothers William Taylor of Edwardsburg, Mi and Timothy (Sue) Taylor of Osceola, In., sisters Victoria Lang, Janet Stewart of Edwardsburg, Mi and Judy Cowles of Elkhart, In, son Gregory and daughters Rebecca and Kimberly, as well as many nieces and nephews and their children.

The family wants to give a special thanks to Elara Caring Hospice in Niles, Mi and their wonderful staff for all of the care and support they provided for Greg and his family.

Elkhart Cremation Services has been entrusted with his care.  A private family graveside service will be held at a later date

Medders, Patricia 1933-2022

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Patricia Medders, of Niles
July 23, 1933-Jun 20, 2022

Niles Daily Star, Published online 8:58 am Tuesday, June 21, 2022   

Patricia Medders, 88, of Niles, passed away Monday, June 20, 2022. Arrangements are pending and are entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, of Niles. www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com

 

Published on website for Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services

Patricia Medders Obituary

Patricia Medders, 88 years, of Niles, passed away on Monday June 20, 2022 at Westwoods of Niles.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place.

 

Tranker, George A. 1959-2023

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George A. Tranker Jr

February 12, 1959 - June 15, 2023

Published on website for Hoven Funeral Home:
 

George A. Tranker Jr of Niles, Michigan | 1959 - 2023 | Obituary

After a courageous 6 year battle with cancer, George, 64, lost the fight and passed away surrounded by his family. He leaves behind his wonderful wife of 44 years, Theresa and his son Matthew (Ashley) Tranker both of Niles, MI. He also leaves a brother, Tony (June) Tranker of Florida and sister, Lisa Williamson of Norfolk, VA. And many nieces and nephews.

George was born in South Haven, MI to Sandra Folk and George Tranker. He excelled in sports, which would be a passion of his, the rest of his life. He would later meet his future wife and high school sweetheart while in high school.

George would enlist into the United States Air Force in 1977. He and Theresa were wed August 12, 1978. George’s time in the military would end up being a 20-year career, retiring as a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer in the rank of Master Sergeant.  Oddly enough, that career never took

 him overseas and wouldn’t keep him too far from the Midwest. From 1978-1984 he was stationed at KI Sawyer AFB in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. His next stop from 1984-1986 was Chanute AFB in Illinois. After that from 1986 to 1992, he would work with the ROTC program at the University of Notre Dame. He finished his time from 1992 to 1997 at Maxwell AFB in Alabama. Once he finished his time and decided to retire, he and the family moved back to Michigan. There he accepted a job at Low Associates, in South Bend and would work there until his cancer diagnosis forced him into an early retirement.

George was a very passionate sports fan, rooting for the Chicago Cubs, Detroit Lions, Detroit Red Wings; Notre Dame and Michigan football. He was also a huge fan of music, which he later shared that passion with his son and they both bonded with that, talking music and going to shows/concerts. He also had the pleasure of owning two Corvettes at two different times. Something he was very proud of and thoroughly enjoyed.

But George’s biggest passions was his family, Theresa and Matthew. He adored his family and would do anything for them. He loved spending time with them and was an exceptional husband and father.

He will be sorely missed by everyone who got the opportunity to know him. He was a good person, husband, father, and friend.

Memorial service for George will be held at 3:30 pm on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan, MI. Dinner will follow beginning at 5 pm at Buchanan American Legion for family and friends to gather.  Since the Tranker’s were involved in dog rescue and fostering: In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Boxer Haven Rescue c/o C. Folk; PO Box 1461 Warren MI 48090.  

Westfall, Gerald William Squire 1946-2023

editor Obituaries

Gerald William Squire Westfall
December 5, 1946 – April 29, 2023

Published on website of Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home:

Gerald William Squire Westfall, 76 of Niles, passed away in his home surrounded by his family on Saturday, April 29.

Jerry was born on December 5, 1946 in Allegan, Michigan.  He was raised by Garth and Eloise Westfall who preceded him in death. He is also preceded by his brothers, Tom, Bud and Leonard.

On August 30, 1975 he married the former Mary Martin.  They celebrated 47 years together.

Jerry is survived by his daughter, Melissa (Timothy) Sayer of Niles and his son, Andrew (Katie) Harris of Edwardsburg, grandchildren; Breean, Timothy, and Blake Sayer and A.J. Harris. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Barb Squire of South Bend.

Jerry honorably served in the United States Air Force as a Fire Protection Specialist. After his service, he was on the Niles Fire Department for 10 years. Jerry then went on to drive Semi’s for the next 35 years. After his retirement, he worked part time at the Niles Rural King as “The Popcorn Guy”. It was a title that he loved.  Jerry was always happy to talk with people and he cared about them. He enjoyed going to some of the area auto racing tracks especially New Paris and South Bend. He was a former American Legion Member. Jerry loved dogs and up until recently, always had one to keep him company.

Cremation has taken place. A Graveside service with military honors will be held on Thursday, July 13,2023 at 2:00pm in Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home, 615 E. Main St. in Niles.

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

Memorials in Jerry’s name may be made to the funeral home to help with final expenses.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gerald Westfall, please visit our flower store.

Julian, Lourdes S. 1944-2021

editor Obituaries

Lourdes S. Julian, of Niles
Dec. 18, 1944 Aug. 25, 2021

Niles Daily Star, Published online 4:14 pm Wednesday, August 25, 2021 

Lourdes S. Julian, 76, of Niles, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021. Arrangements are entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, of Niles.

Published on website for Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services:

Lourdes Julian Obituary

Lourdes Julian, 76, of Niles, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, August 25, 2021.

Lourdes was born on a beautiful day in December in her home country of the Philippines. At a young age she found the love of her life, Wayne, who was a member of the United States Marine Corps. at the time. Leaving her home country and finding a new life for herself was something that stayed with her for the entirety of her life. She found happiness in her new home and eventually started a family of her own. She took pride in raising three children, Mark, Sheila, and Katina, all who eventually gave her grandchildren. Over time her family grew until the tragic loss of her dear husband, Wayne, who passed away in 2017. Throughout her life Lourdes was known for a handful of things: being a grandmother, her love for her family, gardening, canning, her unmatched mahjong skills, and a special interest in flowers, especially orchids. She was known to have a great sense of humor and thoroughly enjoyed her life and the people in it. Lourdes followed a catholic faith and was known to attend St. Mary’s catholic church of Niles. Her faith brought her a lot of comfort towards the end of life and was able to find peace because of it. The end of her life was spent surrounded with those she cherished the most, her friends and family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and one grandchild, Daniel Gordon.

Lourdes is survived by her three children; Mark, Sheila, and Katina; 8 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren, and many extended family members and close friends.

The family of Mrs. Julian will be celebrating her life privately at a later date.

Julian, Wayne 1941-2017

editor Obituaries

Wayne Julian, of Niles
Sept. 28, 1941 — Jan. 13, 2017 

Niles Daily Star, Published online 8:39 am Wednesday, January 18, 2017   

Wayne Julian, 75, of Niles, passed away in his residence Friday, Jan. 13, 2017, following an illness.

He was born Sept. 28, 1941, in French Lick, Indiana.

After graduating high school, Wayne enlisted in the U.S. Marines and served his country during the Vietnam era. He was a retired supervisor from A.M General. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and driving across the country. 

He was preceded in death by his mother, Edith Riss; a grandson, Daniel Gordon; and a brother, Tommy. Wayne is survived by his wife, Lourdes Julian of Niles; his children, Mark Julian of Niles, Sheila Julian of Albany, California, and Katina Julian of Niles; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and siblings Cathy, Pam, Sheila and Jack.

In keeping with Wayne’s wishes, cremation has taken place and his family will be remembering him privately. Remembrances of Wayne may be left for his family at BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Niles.

Read more at: https://www.leaderpub.com/2017/01/18/wayne-julian-of-niles-2/

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