Obituaries
Charles Logan Garrison II
Charles Logan Garrison II, age 81, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully with his precious family by his side on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at McLaren Hospital in Lansing. He was born June 4, 1942, in Lansing the son of Charles and Joyce (Bailey) Garrison. Chuck graduated from Charlotte High School in 1960. On December 1, 1962, he married Sandra Lee Packard, at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Charlotte. They were blessed to have been given the opportunity to spend 61 wonderful years together. Chuck was a devoted life-long member of the Masons and served in many different capacities throughout the years. He also was a great proponent of 4H. He was a leader for the Community Riders 4H Club for many years and announcer at the Eaton County Fair. Chuck had a huge heart for the community and was always willing to help in any capacity he could. He was a volunteer on the Charlotte Fire Department for several years. In his spare-time he enjoyed spending time outdoors and cherished the 13 years he and Sandy spent camping at Tri-Lakes Campground. Chuck was a “problem solver”. He could fix or make absolutely anything and could help you navigate through whatever life threw your way. Chuck will always be remembered as being a loving and devoted family man with a deep faith in God.
Chuck is survived by his wife, Sandra; children, Todd David (Christine) Garrison of Eaton Rapids, Shannon Marie Garrison-David of Grand Ledge; grandchildren, Lainie David of Santa Barbara, California, Alan David of Grand Ledge, Abigail Garrison of Eaton Rapids; brothers, Thomas R. Garrison, James G. Garrison; aunt, Beverly Foster; and numerous nieces, nephews, and innumerable friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Jeffrey Lynn Garrison.
A memorial service was held on Monday June 3, 2024, at 2 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Laura Cooper officiating. The family received friends from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home just prior to the service.
Those desiring may make contributions in Chuck’s memory to the Shriner’s Childrens Hospital www.shrinerschildrens.org.
To view Chuck’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Olive Kay Wilbur
Olive Kay Wilbur, a resident of Eaton Rapids, MI, peacefully went home to be with her Lord and Savior on June 2, 2024, at the age of 79. Born on December 2, 1944, in Lansing, MI, Kay was the sixth of ten children to William and Pauline (Godfrey) Phillips. She was raised in Lansing, attending Eastern High School, and had resided in Eaton Rapids for the past 30 years. A devoted member of the First Congregational Church, Kay cherished her faith community.
From 1986 to 2006, Kay worked at the University Club at Michigan State University, where she met her future husband, Rodney Wilbur. They were married on June 10, 1994, at the University Club. Kay and Rodney were deeply involved with AA Central in Lansing for over 16 years, finding joy and purpose in their service.
Family was Kay’s greatest joy, particularly the time spent with her grandchildren when they lived next door. She treasured watching them grow and thrive.
Kay is survived by her beloved husband, Rodney Wilbur; children, Phillip Colby, Frederick Colby-Lycos, Lisa Wilbur, Yvonne Wilbur, Kimberly Wilbur, Jeff Wilbur, Greg Wilbur, Paul Wilbur, and Anthony “Tony” Wilbur; grandchildren, Kathrine and Freddie; great-grandson, Nash; sisters, Pauline Heniser, Gloria (Ken) Profitt, and Delores Jackomino; brother and sisters-in-law, Bob Coryelo, Linda Phillips, and Elsie Phillips; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Dan Wilbur; brothers, Ralph Phillips, Willie Phillips, and Wilson Phillips; sisters, Phyllis (Gardner) Bittle, Patricia (Keith) Wooster, and Rosalee Coryelo; and brothers-in-law, Thomas Heniser, and William Jackomino.
In accordance with Kay’s wishes, no services will be held. Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to McLaren Visiting Nurse and Hospice or the American Diabetes Association. To share memories or leave online condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Gordon James Wilson
Gordon “Gordy” James Wilson peacefully passed away on Sunday, June 2, 2024, at the age of 73. Born on March 18, 1951, in Charlotte, MI, to James and Doreen (Hill) Wilson, Gordon was raised in Eaton Rapids and graduated with the class of 1969. He honorably served as an Artillery Gunner in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. After his service, Gordon utilized the GI Bill to earn a bachelor’s degree in business and a master’s degree in labor and industrial relations from Michigan State University.
Gordon dedicated his career to the Collins Road Post Office, where he worked in mail distribution until his retirement in 2003. A devoted Michigan State sports fan, Gordon also had a passion for photography and music, particularly the blues. He was actively involved in the Capitol Area Blues Society, contributing as a writer and photographer under the pseudonym “Gordzilla Blues.” As a proud Mason, he achieved the rank of Master Mason and served as the Worshipful Master for the Okemos Lodge 0252.
Gordon was immensely proud of his 30-year sobriety and had a deep love for animals, lighthouses, and jigsaw puzzles. His greatest joy, however, was his family. Gordon is survived by his loving companion of 26 years, Deenie Lesher; his children, Amanda (Claud) Brown, Rob Wilson (Luci McSorley), Mike Wilson, and Michael (Jody) Lesher, Jennifer Lesher; and his grandchildren, Kylah Wilson, Rachel Miller, Ashley Wilson, Matthew Wilson, Anna Marie Fraley, Tabatha Fraley, Michael Wilson, Mckya Wilson, Tristin Wilson, Colby Brown, Zaiah Lesher, Miles Lesher, Garrett Lesher, and Finn Fields.
He is also survived by his siblings, Kathie (Chuck) Hendrickson, Donette Samson, Billy (Jim) Andrzejewski, Gayla (Ron) Gossman, Doug (Beth) Wilson, Cindy (Sonny) Hartley, Scott Wilson, Michelle (Mike) King, Cheryl (Dave) Whiting, Pam (Todd) Davis, Jill Wilson, Brian (June) Wilson, Kelly (Brian) Kemp, Linda (Ivan) Dierson, and Mervin Brown, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
Gordon was preceded in death by his father, James Wilson; mother, Doreen Brown; stepfathers, Donald Bradish and Mervin Brown; and sisters, Wendy Clancy, and Lisa Courser.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel. Burial will follow at Munger Cemetery, with a luncheon at the funeral home. Visitation was on Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. as well as one hour before the service on Saturday. Memorial contributions may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in Gordon’s memory, http://give.michaeljfox.org To share memories or leave online condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Dorothy Arlene Martin
Dorothy Arlene (Davis) Martin (aka Dottie), of Charlotte, Michigan, peacefully passed away on May 26, 2024, at the age of 98.
Dorothy was born on March 23, 1926, to Ford and Helen Davis in Lansing, Michigan. She was preceded in death by her husband of 34 years, Duane Earl Martin; parents; brothers, Ford, Jr., Jud and Fred; sisters, Barbara and Myrna; sons-in-law, Jan Paul Benedict and Jeffrey C. Ripley. She is survived by her eight children: Tonya (Barry) Ashley of Charlotte, Michigan; Linda Willis of Dimondale, Michigan; Carol (Travis) Combs of Kingwood, Texas; Janice Ward of Dimondale, Michigan; Kathy (Tom) Jones of Charlotte, Michigan; Dan (Barb) Martin of Charlotte, Michigan; Dennis (Renee) Martin of Mulliken, Michigan; Brenda Benedict of Emory, Texas; 23 grandchildren; 59 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren.
Dorothy loved decorating her house on all holidays, especially Christmas with trees all over and celebrating them with her friends and family. She loved working in her yard and had quite the green thumb. Always room for more plants, she would say! Receiving a bouquet of flowers or a plant of any kind always made her smile; and her smile would light up a room! She loved growing up with a large family. A hero at the young age of 5 when she saved her blind grandmother from their burning home. She enjoyed the outdoors and was an excellent ice skater; once having been told by a professional skater that she was good enough to become professional. She said instead she fell in love and married Duane in June of 1943 in Lansing, Michigan. Together they raised a large family of their own. In 1968 they moved from the city living of Lansing to the country living of Charlotte. Although it was only 5 acres, the family called it “the farm.” There were cows, chickens, dogs, and cats; large gardens were grown and cultivated and many enjoyable years of family gatherings, ballgames, winter activities and so much fun!
Dorothy attended Eastern High School and proudly received her GED from Charlotte High School in 1979. She worked at GM Parts Plant and Fisher Body for 10 years combined. After retiring from Fisher Body, she worked at Hallmark Special Occasions for 15 years. Working there was a real joy to her; she cherished the time there and the many friends she made. She was a member and volunteer at Eaton Senior Center and past member of Red Hatters (Crimson Cuties) of Charlotte. She was a devout Christian and member of Discovery Fellowship Church. She was passionate about her family and her church family. Generous, kind, thoughtful, loving and strong are words her family uses to best describe their mom. Although they know that she is with our Lord and Savior, she is and will be greatly missed.
The family would like to give special thanks to Pastor Greg Nitchman and all the wonderful nurses and staff who cared for their mom at Eaton Gardens-ECHRS of Charlotte.
Friends are encouraged to support Dorothy’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, May 30, 2024, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. A Celebration of Life Service was Friday, May 31, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Greg Nitchman officiating. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Dorothy’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Discovery Fellowship Church, PO Box 357, Charlotte, MI 48813. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Agnes S. Fleetham
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of our mother, Agnes S. Fleetham, of Charlotte, MI, who left us on May 22, 2024 after a beautifully lived life. She was born on June 17, 1930, in Elsie, MI to Mary and Andrew Bohil; part of a big family consisting of four sisters and one brother, all preceding her in death. She married George H. Fleetham on May 26, 1951. In the early 60’s, the family moved to Valley Cottage, New York, for George’s job. Following his passing in 1974, Agnes moved herself and the five children back to their roots in Michigan. Agnes was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and was employed as a cook at the former Emmanuel Nursing Home. As well as her cooking talents, she enjoyed spending time with her family, was a voracious reader, loved jigsaw puzzles, watching Jeopardy, sewing, and keeping up with her Czech heritage of language and baking. She was also quite a techy with her cell phone and Alexa screen device!
Preceding her in death were her husband, George H. Fleetham in 1974; and granddaughter Chelsea Fleetham Deliso in 2019. She is leaving a legacy through her children, Charles (Asya) Fleetham, Lorraine (Tim) Duning, David Fleetham, Gail (Marshall) Williams, and Ann-Marie (Roger) Snyder; eight grandchildren, Emily Williams, Madeline Harper, Derek Fleetham, Solomon Duning, Taylor Williams, Gage Snyder, Siena Snyder, and Sarah Snyder; four great-grandchildren, Warner and Cameron Fleetham, Nikolas Harper, and Leilah Froman.
To commemorate her incredible journey of life, laughter, and resilience and to celebrate the lives she touched of all who knew her, a Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, June 3, 2024, 1:00 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte, with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. A visitation will be held just prior at the church from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Interment will take place at Sunfield Cemetery in Sunfield, MI. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Agnes’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 St. Mary Catholic Church of Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.