Gary L. Cooper, of Niles
Oct. 11, 1942-Dec. 15, 2022

Niles Daily Star, Published 6:17 pm Friday, December 16, 2022

Gary L. Cooper, 80, of Niles, passed away Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022, at Riveridge Manor in Niles. Arrangements have been entrusted with Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles. www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com

Published on Brown Funeral Home website:

Obituary of Gary Lee Cooper

Gary Lee Cooper, 80, of Niles, passed away on Thursday, December 15, 2022, at Riveridge Manor in Niles.

He was born on October 11, 1942, to the late William and Oreal (Persyain) Cooper in Monterey, Indiana.

On August 20, 1984, he married the former Teri Miller at a ceremony in Niles. When he married Teri, he also became a step-dad. He was very determined to being the best step-dad that he could, he attended as many games and events that he could. Gary was a bit of a perfectionist, and if often showed in the drawings he did, they were creative, yet precise. In his younger years enjoyed deer hunting, and fishing, up north with his friends, and family. In his more recent years, he enjoyed watching them in his yard.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, William Cooper.

Gary is survived by his wife, Teri of Niles; step-son, David (Annette) Miller of Niles; three grandchildren, Derek, Cassie, and Trisha; along with his siblings, Delbert Cooper, Beverly Haynes, Leona (George) Wilson, and Earlean Jones.

A visitation will be held from 11:00 AM until 12:00 noon on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services. He will be laid to rest in Silverbrook Cemetery.

Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for the family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Lynda Matthews
Dec. 20, 1937-Nov. 5, 2022

Niles Daily Star, Published 12:13 pm Saturday, November 19, 2022

Eugene Phillips
March 28, 1948-Nov. 15, 2022

Published on Palmer Funeral Home website:

Obituary

Eugene Phillips, age 74, born March 28, 1948, in Fort Deposit, Alabama, transitioned from this life on Friday, November 15, 2022.  He resided in South Bend, Indiana since the age of 2 years old.

Eugene’s beloved parents Cora and Samuel Phillips, preceded him years earlier when they were called home by God.

Eugene was unique. He once drove to Mexico for a short vacation and came home with a wife, Minerva Banos. They are now divorced. They had two sons; Bryce and Alan Phillips, who he loved unconditionally.  Eugene would smile from ear to ear when talking about his grandson, Alan, being taller than him and watching him play football along with his brother Samuel.  His granddaughter, Ayrieana, was cherished by him and he called her his “Princess.”  His sons and grandchildren were the joy of his life.

The only way to describe Eugene as a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother is to say, “He was the best!”

Eugene was a gentle, loving, caring, and easy-going person.  He never made problems for anyone. If anyone needed his help, he would extend all that he had to them and he made sure that they had everything that they needed.

However, there is a lot more to Eugene’s story.

As a young boy, Eugene was baptized at the Holiness Church of God and Christ. He had a paper route that he enjoyed very much and he enjoyed earning his own money. In high school, his love for math led him to an architectural job which came to a halt because soon after he graduated from Central High School he went off to serve in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

When he was honorably discharged from the army, he began working for the Bendix Corporation as a custodian where he retired after many years of faithful service.   

Eugene had many interests and talents during his lifetime.  He was a talented mechanic, horse-back rider, and he raised and trained hunting dogs. He had a dog named Rusty at one time that he loved and adored. He was a hunter and an expert shooter with a gun and rifle. He was a real frontier kind of guy!  His most recent hobby was the joy of playing card games on the internet especially Bid whist. Franky's and Martin's and Popeye's chicken were some of his favorite foods.

Eugene leaves behind the love of his life Minerva Banos, their two sons Bryce and Alan Phillips; daughter-in-law, Deyonna Buchanan; his grandchildren Alan Jr., Samuel, Ayrieana, Marlese and Michael; three great-grandchildren; four sisters, Barbara Lark Jones, Margaret (Prince) Phillips Legree, Elaine Phillips Minks, Christine (Phillip) Phillips Williams, and a host of relatives and friends. 

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 1, 2022 at Palmer Funeral Home - West Chapel, 2702 Lincolnway West, South Bend. Additional visitation will be held from 11 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at the funeral home prior to the services.

Margie Pointer, of South Bend
Oct. 5, 1935-Oct. 25, 2022

Niles Daily Star, Published online 10:56 am Friday, October 28, 2022

Margie Pointer, 87, of South Bend, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022. Arrangements are being made by Brown Funeral Home, of Niles. www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com

Published on Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services website:

Obituary of Margilean Marzetta Pointer

Margilean "Margie" Marzetta Pointer, 87, of South Bend, passed away at her home on October 25, 2022.

Margie was born on October 5, 1935, to the late Oral and Hazel (Goble) Pointer in Parma, Missouri.

She worked at Penny Saver Grocery for many years and loved spending time with her friends and family.  Margie and her sister were champion roller-skaters as well.

Margie is preceded in death by her parents, Oral and Hazel; and siblings, Geneva Pears, Joyce Vaughn, Glen Pointer, and Genetta Stark.

She is survived by her friend and caregiver, Shauntae Neealy of South Bend; one daughter; and many nieces and nephews.

Margie will be buried near her family at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

Dr. Irwin Simpson
May 9, 1843*-March 30, 1901

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Saturday, March 30, 1901, page 2, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

DR SIMPSON DEAD
Once a Noted Physician Stricken With Paralysis

At noon today, Dr. Irwin Simpson passed beyond, at his rooms in the Babcock building, corner of Main and Third streets.

Last Thursday his most intimate friends noticed symptoms betokening danger. There was a drag to his walk, and he was heard to fall from his bed to the floor. He was aided to the last moment, being the recipient of the best attention by friends.

Death was caused by apoplexy, with paralysis of the entire right side.

Dr. Simpson was at one time a leading physician of this place. He studied medicine first with Dr. Reading,and was a most able physician and competent surgeon.

He was 57 years of age. A step-son, Joseph Wilbur, came here this afternoon from Three Rivers and took charge.

Funeral announcement will be placarded at post office.

*DOB from Mich. DC: born May 9, 1843, Port Edward, County Sligo, Ireland, parents James Simpson and Ann (Irwin) Simpson