Beverly Mann, 89, of Niles, died Wednesday, March 3, 2021. Arrangements are being made by Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home, of Niles.

 

September 15, 1938, was a day that history will never repeat because it was the day that God blessed Amanda Bradshaw and George Butler with their beautiful daughter, Virginia Lee Butler. This amazing life-changing event took place at Cook County Hospital in Chicago Illinois. Several years later they relocated to Niles, Michigan with her stepfather Joseph Smith whom she called “Dad". Virginia attended Niles Senior High school, where she used her singing gift in the Glee Club. Her parents raised her to love the Lord and to always attend church, therefore, she attended Mount Calvary Baptist Church, where she served on the Usher Board and sang in the Senior Choir. She in turn raised her eight children to serve God, attend church, and work (a legitimate job, lol); she relocated to Chester, Virginia in November 2018. Throughout her life span, Virginia worked several jobs which include employment at Woolworth’s Diner and Shellers Globe both in Niles; she retired in 2005 from Sears and Roebuck in Mishawaka, Indiana. Virginia will forever be remembered for inspiring and encouraging her children and many others with statements such as: • God Will Never Leave You or Forsake You! • Keep It Moving! • A Girls Gotta Do, What a Girls Gotta Do! After these statements, she would normally give the peace sign, thumbs up, or the number one sign. Virginia was also one of the most loved neighborhood mothers, the younger generation was drawn to her and confided in her, they always knew they could talk to Mrs. Brown. She loved young people regardless of who they were or where they came from, she was a very authentic Woman of God. On March 13, 2021, in her daughter and son-in-love’s home, surrounded by loved ones, Virginia went to sleep peacefully and transitioned to heaven, the place she called home. She leaves to cherish her memory seven children; Joanne Jones, Ned Slaughter II (Gladys), Nadine Slaughter, Mark Slaughter, Sylvia McClean (Michael N.), Patricia Slaughter-Powell, Allen Slaughter, 17 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, spiritual sons, and daughters; her beloved aunt, Betty Owens; a beloved friend, Betty Perry; also the families of Denise Feehrer, Irene Bradford-Willis, Betty Perry; and her Mt. Calvary Baptist Church family. She was preceded in death by her late husband Robert L. Brown and daughter Victoria L. Gibson. Visitation will be held on Friday, Mar 26 from 11:00 to 12:00 PM at Mt Calvary Baptist Church 601 Ferry St, Niles. A Homegoing Service will be held following the visitation, burial will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery. In keeping with the Covid-19 guidelines, our gathering is limited, the State of Michigan requires all in attendance to follow all guidelines including, social distancing, mandatory mask, and hand sanitizing. We appreciate your assistance in helping us to keep everyone in attendance healthy.