Virginia Lee Brown, of Chester, Virginia
Sept. 15, 1938-March 13, 2021
Niles Daily Star, Published 3:57 pm Tuesday, March 16, 2021
Obituary of Virginia Lee Brown
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.
Virginia Lee Brown, of Chester, Virginia
Sept. 15, 1938-March 13, 2021
Niles Daily Star, Published 3:57 pm Tuesday, March 16, 2021
Obituary of Virginia Lee Brown
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
Mary Lorraine Pickens, of Niles
June 5, 1945-Feb. 29, 2020
Niles Daily Star, Published 8:41 am Tuesday, March 3, 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.