Obituaries
James Scott Bernheisel
James “Jim” “Jimmy” Scott Bernheisel, a man who lived his life to the fullest even with all odds against him at birth, died on Friday, September 20, 2024. Jim 52 was born on September 27, 1971 in Charlotte, the son of Arthur Bernheisel and JoAnn (VanDorpe) Lefever. He was a 1991 graduate of Charlotte High School, and after began working at different places around town. Many will remember Jim as being a people person and a ladies’ man. If there was Bingo around town Jim was there. He played every week at the Senior Center and was a caller at the American Legion. Jim also enjoyed trips to baseball games, bowling, and skydiving with his buddy Stewart. He was also very lucky when it came to trips to the casino. Above all Jim was very proud that he was able to live the life that he did with the cards he was dealt.
Jim is survived by his mother, JoAnn Lefever; siblings, John (Candace) Bernheisel, and Betty Jo Adams; special friends, Pat Yockey, and the entire Osier Family; and several extended family members. He was predeceased by his father, Arthur Bernheisel; and brother, Jeffery Lynn Bernheisel.
Friends are encouraged to support Jim’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Visitation will be held just prior to the service from 4-6:00 p.m. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to a charity of your choice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Dena J. Cowick
Dena J Cowick (Potter), age 52, of Jackson, passed away after a lengthy illness on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. She was born March 2, 1972, in Charlotte, the daughter of Reginald and Virginia (Brandon) Potter. Dena loved her family with a deep devotion. She adored her son, Brody, and always beamed when he was the topic of conversation. Dena had a huge heart for others. Her loss will be keenly felt by her precious family and friends.
Dena is survived by her son, Brody Boone; father, Reginald Potter; brother Jason (Lindsay) Potter; brother Adam (Jill) Potter, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her second son Dillon Boone; husband Robert Cowick; and mother Virginia Potter.
In keeping with the wishes of her family, cremation has taken place.
Emily Elizabeth Hansen
Gone too soon, Emily Elizabeth Hansen, age 26, of Dewitt, Michigan passed away on September 10, 2024. She was born June 25, 1998 in Kalamazoo, MI to Edwin L. Hansen, Jr. and Wendy (Hagerman) Cornish.
Emily was a breath of fresh air and a ray of sunshine. She was an old soul that touched everyone she knew. She found joy in greeting and chatting with the community at Oriole Nutrition in Charlotte, knowing them all by name. She loved to sit and talk with the elderly she helped take care of at The Oaks in Battle Creek. Serving others is what made her heart happy.
Emily was an extremely proud dog mom to Pumpkin, the love of her life. She also loved the Detroit Red Wings, Harry Potter, Legos, Halloween, scary movies, elephants, Christmas, and all the Christmas movies.
She is survived by her mother, Wendy (Dwayne) Cornish of Charlotte, MI; her fur-baby, Pumpkin; siblings, Lindsay (Jamie) Rokita of Parma, MI, Bethany Cornish of Marshall, MI, Landon Cornish of Dorr, MI, and Ashley (Tyler) Six of Portage, MI; grandparents, Calvin Bates, Sr. of Albion, MI and Mike (Sandy) Cornish of Albion, MI; aunts and uncles, Joe (Teresa) Hagerman of Albion, MI, Brandie (Jimmy) Owens of Camden, MI, Dawn (Tom) Hoyt of Albion, MI, Kathleen Hansen of Albion, MI, Jason (Niki) Hansen of Albion, MI, Tracy (Rob) VanHove of Detroit, MI, Leslie (Sherman) Price of Bronson, MI, Warren Hagerman of Camden, MI, Calvin Bates, Jr. of Washington, and Mallisa Cunha of Washington; many loving cousins, and her godmother, Sherill (Buff) Swanson of Mt. Iron, MN.
She is preceded in death by her father, Edwin L. Hansen, Jr.; grandparents, Elizabeth Ellen Bates, Edwin Hansen, Sr., Doris Hansen, George D. (Marian) Hagerman, Sr. and uncle, Doug (Melissa) Hagerman.
A visitation was held Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, in Albion, followed by a memorial service at 12:00 PM. That evening they continue to celebrate Emily’s life with dinner and memories at the Beach Market in Downtown Charlotte.
Carolyn Anderson Nelson
Carolyn Anderson Nelson, 70, of Charlotte, Michigan passed away on September 15, 2024, in her home after a hard-fought battle with cancer.
Carolyn was born in Provo, Utah, on September 6, 1954, to Roland and Renee Anderson. As a child, she and her family moved to Mount Clemons and then Muskegon, Michigan.
Carolyn graduated from Muskegon Heights High School in 1972 and from there attended Muskegon Community College and Rick’s College in Idaho. She transferred to Michigan State University where she met her eternal companion, Val Nelson. They were married in the Salt Lake City Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on November 24, 1976. They welcomed 5 children while living in Michigan and Utah.
Carolyn dedicated her professional career to working with children with special needs in the Charlotte Public Schools for 29 years. In her spare time, she enjoyed baking, crocheting, crafting, and most recently started working with stained glass. She was a dedicated member of her church community where she faithfully served the children, youth, and women. Her faith in Jesus Christ was a paramount piece of her life. She was often found to be reading her scriptures and in most recent years serving in the Detroit Temple every other Saturday.
Carolyn loved her family most of all and was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Throughout her life she was found at her children’s and grandchildren’s athletic events, band or orchestra concerts, dance recitals, and more. Ever the peacemaker, she was sought for her wisdom and listening ear. She will be missed for her selfless, compassionate, dedicated, and loving nature.
She is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her loving husband Val Nelson of Charlotte, MI. Children: Victoria (Weylin) Douglas of Laingsburg, MI, Meggen (Joshua) Kensler of Kalamazoo, MI, Tiffany (Paul) Quast of Richmond, TX, Elaina Nelson of Las Vegas, NV, Jared (Dahlia) Nelson of Murray, UT and 12 grandchildren. Siblings: Clint Anderson of Oklahoma City, OK, Vennetta Hickson of Kansas City, MO, and Vint (Denae) Anderson of Pace, FL.
A Celebration of Life Open House will be held in her honor on Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 200 North Bostwick, Charlotte, MI 48813.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in Carolyn’s honor to the American Cancer Society or the Humanitarian Aid Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
To view Carolyn’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit
www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Florence Jannette Davids
Florence Jannette Davids, age 65, of Charlotte, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 4, 2024. She was born August 25, 1959, in Charlotte, the daughter of Donald and Florence (Smith) Davids. Flo loved her family with a deep devotion. She adored her son, Presten and always beamed when he was the topic of conversation. Flo had a huge heart for others and would give you the shirt off her back. She enjoyed drawing, playing cards, and listening to music. Her loss will be keenly felt by her precious family and friends.
Flo is survived by her son, Presten Charles Merschel; grandchildren, P.J. and Nevaeh; sister, Donna (Jackie) Oestrick; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Charlene M. Shaver.
A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at 3 P.M. at Needmore Cemetery 351 W. Needmore Hwy., Charlotte, MI 48813 with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating.
Those desiring may make contributions in Flo’s memory to the family.
To view her obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.