Obituaries
Deena Jo (Harmon) Mahoney
Deena Jo (Harmon) Mahoney, 52, passed away Sunday, July 17, 2022. Deena was born March 14, 1970, in Charlotte. She is the daughter of Joyce (Bill) Gavaldon and Frank (Jolinda) Harmon; sister to Derric Harmon, Darrin (Monica) Harmon, and Billy (Tonya) Wallace; mother to Tiffany (Cameron) Bartlett and Zackary Mahoney. Her greatest love was spending time with her grandchildren: Christine, Charlie, Dominic, Leonidas, Trenton, Dawson, and Jayce; her best friend, Shannon Allen; her fur babies; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Cylde and Gracelynna (Sally) Cooper, George and Annabell Harmon; father, Frank Harmon; uncle, Bob Cooper; and sisters- in-law, Suzie Harmon and Pam Gibson.
Please join us for a celebration of life on August 13, 2022 from 2-5 p.m. at the Eaton Area Senior Center in Charlotte.
Janet Gail Garner
Janet Gail Garner, 86, of Charlotte, died Thursday, June 9, 2022, at the Stoneleigh Residence in Lansing. Janet was born May 25, 1936, in Detroit, the daughter of Robert and Vergie (Cox) Fueri. She retired from Owens Illinois after 30 years. Janet was a member of the Eagles in Charlotte. She is survived by children, Randy (Debbie) Eaton, Sandy (Jerry) Archer, and Doug Garner; and three grandchildren. She was predeceased by two grandchildren; one great-grandchild; three brothers; one sister; and her parents. A graveside service for Janet was held at Lakeview Cemetery in Nashville, MI, on Friday, July 29, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. with Charles Jenson officiating. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Billie Jo Day
Billie Jo Day, “Mama Bear” to all who knew her, died Saturday, July 23, 2022. Billie Jo, 41, was born May 27, 1981 in Charlotte to Rodney Jay and Trudy Kay (Schultz) Lea. Billie Jo or “BJ” was a loving daughter, wife and mom who made all feel cherished and valued and lived a very happy life. Her ability with the camera and love for people was a gift that translated into her photos that she captured. She was the photographer for family events, traveling and could tell stories with the moments she captured. Waterfalls, lighthouses, covered bridges, and family were her favorite subjects. BJ’s super organized nature with keeping track of photos and even her sim cards is a treasure all of its own. She loved to garden, and spend time in her yard, collected Precious Moments and frog figurines. The Johnson Lumber family appreciated her ability to connect with customers and knowledge of products sold. They were able to answer a question with, “let’s ask BJ.” She was instrumental in the successful Wood Expos that the lumberyard has been holding for many years, as well as her office expertise. Her family and children were top priority for her and she was well known as being the football mom, the wrestling mom, the drama mom, and chaperone on trips that were taken with the groups.
Billie Jo is survived by her husband, Patrick; daughter, Shelby; son, Parker; parents, Rod and Trudy Lea; parents-in-law, Patrick and Beverly Day; brother-in-law, Liam (Devin) Day; grandmothers, Jean Priesman and Donna Lea; nieces, Lily and Maddie Day; nephew, Kienan Day; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; close friends, Cassie Price, Hayley Uhl, and her Johnson Lumber family.
She was predeceased by her grandparents, Doug Schultz, Jay Lea and Patrisha Lea.
Friends are encouraged to support Billie Jo’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral services were Wednesday, July 27 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Interment followed at West Carmel Cemetery. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Billie Jo’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Deena Mahoney
Deena Jo (Harmon) Mahoney, 52, passed away Sunday, July 17, 2022. Deena was born March 14, 1970, in Charlotte. She is the daughter of Joyce (Bill) Gavaldon and Frank (Jolinda) Harmon; sister to Derric Harmon, Darrin (Monica) Harmon, and Billy (Tonya) Wallace; mother to Tiffany (Cameron) Bartlett and Zackary Mahoney. Her greatest love was spending time with her grandchildren: Christine, Charlie, Dominic, Leonidas, Trenton, Dawson, and Jayce; her best friend, Shannon Allen; her fur babies; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Cylde and Gracelynna (Sally) Cooper, George and Annabell Harmon; father, Frank Harmon; uncle, Bob Cooper; and sisters- in-law, Suzie Harmon and Pam Gibson.
Please join us for a celebration of life on August 13, 2022 from 2-5 p.m. at the Eaton Area Senior Center in Charlotte.
Duane Mather
Duane Henry Mather, age 89, of Olivet, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Friday, July 22, 2022. He was born May 15, 1933, in Olivet, the son of Merle and Dorothy (Andrews) Mather. Duane graduated from Olivet High School and soon enlisted in United States Army. He faithfully served his country during the Korean Conflict. Family meant the world to Duane and he loved each and every one of them. Duane had a passion for flying his entire life. The peace and tranquility that came from flying brought him much joy. Duane also enjoyed traveling with Donna throughout the United States, including Alaska, Mexico, and taking many cruises. He had a great love for learning and never stopped pursuing new ventures. Duane was proud of the house he and Donna built on Hicks Highway in Olivet. Feeding the wildlife around their home brought him much joy. Duane retired from skilled trades at General Motors after 36 years of service. He had a heart of gold and enjoyed helping others. He would gladly teach you anything he could and was always looking forward to his next project.
Duane is survived by his wife, Donna; children: Linda (Art) Mather-Giffen of Dimondale, Jack (Elizabeth) Hicks of Olivet, Lyle (Mary) Forcia of Wyoming, MI; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; five great great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; children: Scott Barner, Mike Mather, Rosetta (Chi) Zeeb, Debbie Stanke; sisters: Martha Pratt, Dorothy Beck; brother, Marvin Mather; and sister-in-law, Ethel Mather.
Funeral services were held on Friday, July 29, 2022, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with John Bailey officiating. Burial took place at Bosworth Cemetery in Olivet.
Those desiring may make contributions in Duane’s memory to the American Legion Post 42, 1000 W. Lawrence Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Duane’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com