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.

Brown, Virginia Lee (Butler) 1938-2021

Virginia Lee Brown, of Chester, Virginia
Sept. 15, 1938-March 13, 2021

Niles Daily Star, Published 3:57 pm Tuesday, March 16, 2021

 Virginia Lee Brown, 82, of Chester, Virginia, formerly of Niles, passed away on Saturday, March 13, 2021, arrangements have been entrusted with Brown Funeral Home of Niles. BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.
 
Brown Funeral Home, published March 2021

Obituary of Virginia Lee Brown

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.

Funk, Caroline 1854-1882

Caroline Funk
1854-May 10, 1882

Niles Democrat (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Saturday, May 13th, 1882, page 3, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

Mrs. George Funk, residing on the Peter Ellis farm on Yankee street, died very unexpectedly on Wednesday last in giving birth to her first child. Mr. Funk, it will be remembered, had purchased the Ducey place on Yankee street, and was just erecting for himself and wife a nice new dwelling. This sudden dispensation of providence is a sad blow to his cherished hopes of the future. He has the sympathy of his many friends in this sad hour of his life.

Hoffman, Col. Henry B. 1805-1889

Col. Henry B. Hoffman
1805-March 28, 1889

Niles Democrat (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Thursday, March 28, 1889, page 5, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

Col. Henry B. Hoffman, one of the earliest settlers of this city, died at his home in Davenport, Iowa, on the 21st inst. Col. Hoffman was a gentleman of the old school. He and his brother, George Hoffman, laid out several additions to Niles.

 

Note: Although there is a lot and marker, Col. Hoffman is buried at Oakdale Memorial Garden in Davenport, IA, according to Iowa, U.S., Armed Forces Grave Registrations, 1835-1998

Curtis, Grant 1878-1889

Grant Curtis
1878-March 27, 1889

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Wednesday, March 27, 1889, page 3, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

Grant Curtis, aged 13 years, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Curtis, died this morning at 10:30 o'clock, of consumption. The funeral will occur from the A.M.E Church on Friday morning, March 29, at ten o'clock.

 

Niles Democrat (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Thursday, March 28, 1889, page 5, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

Mr. and Mrs. John Curtis' son, Grant, aged 13 years, died yesterday of consumption. The funeral will take place from the A.M.E. church tomorrow, Friday morning at ten o'clock.

 

Phelps, Alice A. 1850-1872

Alice A. Phelps
abt.1850-February 7, 1872

Niles Republican, Thursday, February 8, 1872, page 3, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

The death of Miss ALICE PHELPS, at one o'clock yesterday, excited more than common attention in this community, where she was so well and favorably known. She was educated in our public schools, in which she afterwards became a teacher, remaining such until near the close of last year. At the early age of twelve she united with the Presbyterian Church, of which she has been a faithful member. Her life was pure and useful, and her death was peace. Her funeral will be attended at the Presbyterian Church to-morrow (Friday) afternoon, at 2 o'clock.

 

Niles Republican, Thursday, February 8, 1872, page 3, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

DIED

PHELPS--In this city, on the 7th instant, of consumption, Miss ALICE A. PHELPS, aged 22 years.

 

Niles Democrat, Saturday, February 10, 1872, page 3, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

DIED

In this city, February 7th, Miss ALICE A. PHELPS, aged twenty-two years.

Wednesday afternoon the death of Miss Phelps took place. It had been expected, but when it came it seemed sudden. She had grown up in this community, and up to the close of the last term had been for some time a faithful and efficient teacher. Her many amiable qualities attracted to her a large circle of friends. At an early age she became a member of the Presbyterian church, and adorned her life with consistency and faithfulness. It was sad to follow her body to the grave, and many went with sorrow, but the sweet hope of eternal life and its coming reunions caused the thought to arise, "for her to die is gain."

Stethem, Lois Irma (Webber) 1929-2021

Lois I. Stethem, of Niles
Aug. 25, 1929-March 24, 2021

Niles Daily Star, Published 2:36 pm Friday, March 26, 2021

Aug. 25, 1929 — March 24, 2021

Lois Irma Stethem, 91, of Niles, passed away on Wednesday, March 24, 2021, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Indiana

She was born in Mishawaka, Indiana, on Aug. 25, 1929, to the late Lyle and Helen (Moore) Webber. Lois graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1947, and furthered her education by attending college for a couple of years.

Lois worked as a secretary for several of the Brandywine elementary schools for 26 years. She had a passion for photography and had a talent for capturing the perfect shot. Many times her photographs would be on display at area shows. She loved her family above all else. Being a mother, grandmother, granny, nana, and great-grandmother was her greatest joy. After retirement, she enjoyed traveling with her companion Ray.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Roderick Webber, Arthur Webber, and Thayne Oppelt; and her life-long companion, Omer “Ray” Herschberger.

Lois is survived by her children, Nina (Doug) Ditsch of Niles, Bryan (Darlene) Stethem of South Bend, Larry Stethem of South Bend, and Kristi (Matt) Brazo of Niles; six grandchildren; Jamie (Bryan) Hall, Karlee Brazo, Brianne (Tom) Collier, Kyle (Erica) Stethem, Amanda Stethem, Rebeca Stethem; ten great-grandchildren; and her special friend, Nicki Wilken.

Funeral services will be held at 5 p.m. on Monday, March 29, 2021, at Brown Funeral Home, 521 E. Main St. in Niles. Visitation will begin at 3:30 p.m., also at the funeral home. We will be live-streaming her service beginning, and it will be uploaded to our website.

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.

Memorial contributions in her memory may be directed to the Brandywine Library, or to a local Senior Center.

Lois’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Doctors Luke White and Stephen Joyce from Memorial Hospital, for their care and compassion, during her hospital stay.

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

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

Pickens, Mary Lorraine (Biles) 1945-2020

Mary Lorraine Pickens, of Niles
June 5, 1945-Feb. 29, 2020

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:41 am Tuesday, March 3, 2020

June 5, 1945 — Feb. 29, 2020

Mary Lorraine Pickens, 74, of Niles, a mother, server, furniture restorer and friend to many died peacefully at 3:17 a.m. at the Hanson Hospice Center, in Stevensville, following a brief illness.

She was born on Aug. 5, 1945, in Seattle, Washington, to Lloyd C. and Charlotte (Pecor) Biles. She was graduated from Brandywine High School and has lived in Niles most of her life. She had been employed at the former Silverbrook Manor (now The Chalet) in Niles, at the former Edwardsburg plant of Georgie Boy Manufacturing, and was a waitress in several area taverns.

Mary enjoyed refinishing furniture, becoming quite proficient at rebuilding wood frames and reupholstery. She also was a seamstress, sewing clothing for children and was talented in the kitchen, known for her pasta dishes — especially her special recipe for spaghetti. The moments that she sat down, she enjoyed reading mysteries and history.

She was sadly preceded in death by an infant daughter, Becky Jean Chapman; a son, Dennis C. Clements; and a sister, Merle Weselowski.

She is survived by a wonderful circle of friends including Mary Curtis and her family who have provided her care.

A private gathering to honor the life of Mary Pickens and share some memories will be at the graveside in Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles. Online condolences may be left at: halbritterwickens.com

Mary’s life was caring for others, serving nursing home patients and tavern patrons, creating useful furniture and new clothes, and providing comforting meals. All evidence that she was truly a loving person.