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.

Cook, Margaret A. 1892-1960

editor Obituaries

Margaret A. Cook
Dec. 25, 1892- Aug. 26, 1960

Niles (Niles, Berrien Co, MI) Daily Star, Friday, August 26, 1960; page 2, col. 6, microfilm, Niles District Library

Mrs Margaret A. Cook, 67, 1204 Cass St., died at 2:30 a.m. today in her home.

Mrs. Cook was born Dec. 25, 1892, in Wadena, Iowa, and came to Niles in 1943 from South Bend. She was a member of the order of Eastern Star. Her husband, Arthur, preceded her in death in 1956.

Surivors[sic] are a daughter, Miss Barbara Chester, South Bend; and two sister[sic], Mrs. Effie Trask and Mrs. Marie Bowers, both Pontiac.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday in the Pifer Funeral Home wit the Rev. Gordon Everett, pastor of the First Evangelical United Brethern Church, officiating. Burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery. Friends will be received at the funeral home beginning Saturday.

 

Niles (Niles, Berrien Co, MI) Daily Star, Saturday, August 27, 1960; page 2, col. 4, microfilm, Niles District Library

TIME CHANGED

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Monday in the Pifer Funeral Home for Mrs. Margaret A. Cook, 67, 1204 Cass St., who died early Friday in her home. The Rev. Gordon Everett, pastor of the First Evangelical United Brethren Church will officiate and burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery. Hour of the services had originally been set for 2 p.m. Monday.

 

Niles (Niles, Berrien Co, MI) Daily Star, Monday, August 29, 1960; page 2, col. 4, microfilm, Niles District Library

SURVIVED BY BROTHER

Mrs. Margaret A. Cook, 67, 1204 Cass St., who died Aug. 26 at her home is survived by a foster brother, Paul Marker. His name inadvertently was omitted from a previous announcement of the death. Funeral services for Mrs. Cook were held today in the Pifer Funeral Home.

Brown, Arlene 1938-2022

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Arlene Ann (Lundgren) Brown
December 27, 1938 - April 22, 2022 (age 83)

Published on website of Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home:

Obituary

Arlene Ann Brown, 83 of Niles, passed away in Spectrum Health Lakeland in Niles on Friday, April 22, 2022.

Arlene was born on December 27, 1938 in Niles to the late Aaron and Emma (Peterson) Lundgren.

On July 14, 1956 in Niles, she married Stevins Brown who passed away in 1993. She is also preceded by her daughter, Debra Smith and her brothers, Albert and Nels ‘Ted’ Lundgren.

Arlene is survived by her children; Becky (Daniel) Ochoa of Niles, Diane Ogle of Niles, grandsons, Jeff, Cros and James, granddaughters, Nicole, Aarin, and Hayley, great grandchildren Courtney, Molli, Sofia, Harrison, Benjamin, Remi and Axel, Great Great Grandson Ahlias and many nieces and nephews.

Arlene had a warm and caring heart.  She volunteered for many years at Lakeland Hospital in Niles. She loved her family above everything else. She was always there for them if they needed her. Arlene felt that her family was the greatest gift one could ever have.

A Memorial Service for Arlene will be on Friday, June 24, 2022 at  12 Noon at Halbritter Wickens 615 E. Main St. Niles.  The family will receive visitors from 10:00 am to  12 Noon.  Burial will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles. 

Halbritter Wickens 615 E. Main St. Niles has been entrusted with the arrangements.

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

McNeese, Linnea 1938-2021

editor Obituaries

Linnea McNeese
1938-July 8, 2021

Niles Daily Star, Published 1:17 pm Friday, June 24, 2022


Luvability Ministries invites the Niles Community to Hope Church for a Celebration of Life service for Linnea McNeese.

Linnea passed away July 8, 2021, at the home of her daughter, Margie, in Arizona. Visitation with family and friends will be held from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the church located at 2390 Lake Street in Niles, Saturday, June 25, 2022. The Celebration of Life Service will begin at 2 p.m. with Rev. Sheryl Blake officiating. Linda Van Dyke, Luvability Ministries founder, will share a tribute to Linnea in honor of her many volunteer hours with Luvability.

We invite the disability community to share your support for Larry and memory of Linnea. Join us in the Celebration of Life Service for our friend.

Memorials may be sent to Luvability Ministries at PO Box 46, Niles, MI, 49120 in memory of Linnea and honorariums in Larry’s name. Memorials and honorariums are designated for Luvability Camp 2022.

Graziani, Nick 1943-2022

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Nick Graziani 
Aug. 22, 1943-June 12, 2022

Niles Daily Star, Published 3:07 pm Tuesday, June 14, 2022

 

Nick Graziani, 78, of Niles, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Sunday, June 12, 2022, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka, Indiana.

Nick was born on August 22, 1943, in Steger, Illinois to the late Nicola and Mildred Jean (Eckhard) Graziani.

After graduating high school, Nick enlisted in the U. S. Army, where he served his country proudly, receiving his honorable discharge. On March 23, 1973, Nick married the love of his life, Judy F. Pitcher at a ceremony in St. Joseph, Michigan.

Nick owned and operated Milano’s Pizza since 1970. He enjoyed golfing, traveling, trips to the casino and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events. He was a sports enthusiast, cheering for Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs and Notre Dame.

Nick is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Judy in 2015 and two brothers, Albert and Ron Graziani.

Nick is survived by his children, Korrie (Rob) Krueger, Nikki (Steve) Brown and Tony (Nikki) Graziani, all of Niles; seven grandchildren, Nicholas Borkowski, Alex Krueger, Lexi Krueger, Aiden Krueger, Mia Graziani, Ryne Brown and Zoe Graziani as well as several nieces and nephews and countless hearts he touched.

A celebration of Nick’s life will be held on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at noon, at Summit Church at 1700 W. River Road in Niles with a time of visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Full Military Honors will follow on the grounds of Summit Church.

A private family interment will be held at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

Over twenty years ago the Graziani family started Milano’s Cancer Fund and has helped many local families through their generosity. Those wishing to make a contribution in Nick’s memory may do so the Milano’s Cancer Fund at 215 N. 17th Street, Niles, Michigan 49120.
Memories of Nick may be shared with his family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, of Niles.

Maxwell, Mary L. 1937-2022

editor Obituaries

Mary L. Maxwell, of Niles
June 15, 1937 – Feb. 5. 2022

Niles Daily Star, Published 2:37 am Thursday, February 10, 2022

 
 

June 15, 1937 – Feb. 5. 2022

Mary L. Maxwell, 84, passed away peacefully at Westwoods of Niles on Feb. 5, 2022.

She was born on June 15, 1937, to the late Robert Weimer and Ruth Vanderbeck in Niles.

Mary was a woman of simple pleasures – reading, bird watching, and as much family time as she could get. Being a grandma was something she was proud of. 

She was raised with both of her parents and her two siblings, Bill and Sue. She stayed close with her siblings her entire life, in fact, Sue and Mary talked just about every day of the week until Mary’s passing.

Over time, Mary eventually started a family of her own. She raised five children who eventually gave her ten grandkids and eight great-grandkids. She took on the role of grandma with open arms. She wasn’t one to go out on big trips or adventures, she liked to stay in the comfort of her own home. For Mary, quality time spent was what she valued the most. Just being in the presence of her family, especially the grandkids, made her feel on top of the world. Outside of the house, Mary was best known as the local bookkeeper for the Niles Public Library. She enjoyed the peace and quiet surrounded by all of the stories, adventures, and knowledge within the books she kept. 

Later in life, Mary eventually married Herbert Earl Maxwell. The loving couple was married in 1977 in Niles. The people in Mary’s life were what gave her something to look forward to. Her circle was small but the love she had for those within it was strong. She will be missed dearly by her friends, family, and all those she had a chance to meet.

Mary is preceded in death by both of her parents, Robert Weimer and Ruth Vanderbeck; and her husband, Herbert Maxwell. 

She is survived by all five of her children – Dave (Tammy) Semrinec of Niles, Mike Semrinec of Niles, Mark (Vicki) Semrinec of Niles, Rob (Marsha) Semrinec of Myakka City, Florida, and Susan McNamara of Holland, MI. Also surviving are ten grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and her two siblings, Bill (Marie) Weimer of Niles, and Sue (Frank) VanLeeuwen of Niles.

The family will not be holding any public services for Mary.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Niles.

Jernigan, James A. 1932-2022

editor Obituaries

James Jernigan
December 31, 1932 - May 16, 2022

Published on website of Hoven Funeral Home:

U.S. Veteran

Reverend James Alton Jernigan of Dowagiac, MI, departed this life on May 16, 2022 at Ascension Borgess Hospital, Kalamazoo, MI.  He was born December 31, 1932, Anniston, AL to the late James Jernigan and Bessie Bones Jernigan.  He was the youngest child out of 4.

He was educated at Calvin County Training School, Hobson City, Al school system.  He served in the United States Army for six years.  He became a sergeant while serving in the army. He fought in the Korean War and was honorably discharged.  After retirement from the service he worked many years as a truck driver for Central Transport, South Bend, IN before retiring in 1994.

Reverend Jernigan professed his love for Christ at an early age.  Throughout his life he worked in many capacities of the church as a deacon and was later called into the ministry and ordained under the leadership of the late Reverend W.L. Daniels, Mt Calvary Baptist Church.   

He was a dedicated member of John W. Moore Lodge #42 and  Miriam Chapter #56 OES Prince Hall Affiliation.

He was predeceased in death by his parents, sisters: Lula Pryor, Delphia M.Parmer, Lois Greene,  daughter Linda Jernigan, step-daughter Nanette Watkins, and Godbrother, Deacon Johnny Gorman Sr.

He leaves to cherish his loving wife of over 30 years  Lillie M. Jernigan of the residence, sons James Jernigan, Pensacola, FL, Ronald (Bertha) Miller, Anniston, AL, Ernest Hammond, Avondale, AR,  Michael (Tina) Hammond, Niles, MI, daughter, Shonte’ Jernigan (Aaron Marsh), South Bend, IN, step-daughter, Victoria (Bernard) Roberts, Niles, MI, Brother-In- Law, Timothy (Marie) Shaw, Jennison, MI, sister-in-laws, Willie Mae Bacon, Flint, MI, Annette Shaw, Niles, MI, Ruth Shaw, Three Rivers, MI, Godsister, Eva Gorman, Berrien Springs, MI and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins, godchildren, and friends.

Funeral Service for Reverend Jernigan will be at 1 pm at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, 601 Ferry St., Niles, MI 49120, with Reverend Bryant L. Bacon Sr officiating. Visitation will begin at 12 pm prior to the service at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles, MI. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan. Online condolences may be made at www.hovenfunerals.com

Gentry, Betty Lou 1945-2022

editor Obituaries

Betty Lou Gentry
July 11, 1945-Jan. 29, 2022

Published 3:04 pm Wednesday, February 2, 2022

July 11, 1945 —Jan. 29, 2022

Betty L. (Cuthbert) Gentry, 76, of Niles, passed away surrounded by family and friends on January 29, 2022.

She was born on July 11, 1945, to the late Leon E. Cuthbert and Cora B. (Britton) Cuthbert in South Bend.

Betty Lou was a perfect example of what it meant to be a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. After the tragic loss of her husband and life partner, Jarrell L. Gentry, in 1981, Betty raised all three of her daughters by herself. She managed to bring up a warm, loving family with a strong will, hard work, and plenty of love. Not long after graduating from Washington High School in South Bend, she had found a true passion in filling the tummies of our youth for the Niles Community Schools. She managed the kitchen for many years and was able to bless her community for many years. She was the lady in the kitchen that all the kids looked forward to seeing every day. She had a knack for creating special relationships with the students she served. Her love for children was further enhanced when she became a grandmother, and then a great-grandmother. She was the kind of grandma who loved to cook, bake, and craft things from her heart. She was especially known for her sticky buns and Texas sheet cake while she was baking. What she was best known for was her ability to craft. Without any formal training, Betty was excellent at making blankets, floral arrangements, patterns, or anything that involved a hook, needle, and thread. According to her grandkids, she was also a great storyteller. Sitting around listening to her stories while munching on her homemade baked goods was one of her favorite ways to show love. Betty also looked forward to the daily phone calls with her best friend, Lois. Betty and Lois were both widowed and leaned on each other for support, family updates, and the latest current events. The community is at a loss with Betty’s passing, she will be missed by many but remembered by even more.

Betty is preceded in death by both of her parents, Leon and Cora Cuthbert; her loving husband, Jarrell Gentry; her brother, Leon Cuthbert; her son-in-law, Jeff Crowder; and brother-in-law, Dennis Graber.

Surviving Betty are her three daughters, Lori Gentry-Richardson, Lisa Gentry-Crowder, and Danielle (Larry) Gentry-Bybee; five of her siblings, Barbara (John) Mangus, Donna (Carl) Brewster, Bonnie Graber, Russ (Dawn) Cuthbert, and Donald (Brenda) Cuthbert; her grandchildren, Taylor Gentry, Tiffany Haynes, Miranda (Shannon) Thompson, Dylan Bybee, Noah (Emily) Melton, Bailey (Nathan) Crowder, and Connor Gregory; as well as seven adorable great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for Betty will be held at Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services on Monday, Feb. 7, 2022, with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. and services starting at 1 p.m.

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

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