Obituaries
Robert G. Curtis
Robert Grover Curtis Jr., age 76, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Wednesday, November 17, 2021. He was born January 1, 1945, the son of Robert and Hazel (Polston) Curtis. Bob enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, playing cards, and watching old westerns on the TV.
Bob is survived by his children: Tracy (Mike) Fedele, Jeff Curtis; stepchildren: Cheril Steward Smith, Steve Steward; grandchildren: Brittany Curtis, Ryan (Tori) Curtis, Stephanie Curtis, Cody Curtis; great grandchildren: Clint Curtis, Lillie Curtis, Olive Curtis, Suriah Bryant, Sterling Bryant, Noah Bryant; and numerous nieces, nephews, and great friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Donnie (Jan) Curtis; sister, Joan (Dan) Haigh.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, November 22, 2021, at 11 p.m. at the New Hope Community Church with Pastor Randy Royston officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the church.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Bob’s memory to the American Lung Association at www.lung.org
To view Bob’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.
Jean W. Hopkins
Jean Wheaton Hopkins was born Sep 3, 1925 in Ogdensburg, NY and died Tuesday, November 16, 2021.
In 1944, she graduated from Northfield Seminary for Young Ladies in Massachusetts and proceeded from there to nursing school in Rochester, NY during WWII. She decided on a career change and returned home to Ogdensburg, eventually graduating from Wallace Secretarial School. While in Rochester, on Oct 3, 1944 she went on a blind date, and met the love of her life, John Denison Hopkins. They continued their long-distance courtship and were married on Sep 14, 1946.
During their early married life, they resided in Rochester (NY) where they became parents. From there, John’s career moved them to Racine (WI), Fort Wayne (IN) and Charlotte (MI). Throughout the years, Jean was involved in the Presbyterian Church as a deaconess, Sunday school teacher and/or choir member wherever they lived. While in Charlotte she was heavily involved in the fund raising for, and building of the Charlotte Library, and eventually became President of the library board. Jean spent her later years as a resident of Independence Village of Grand Ledge, where she continued to make friends and care for those around her.
Jean was predeceased by her husband, John Denison Hopkins; parents, Harry Monroe Wheaton and Sara Kahl Wheaton; siblings, Elaine Gray Miller (Lloyd), Katharine Dillingham (James), Harry M Wheaton, Jr. (Doris) and Margorie Smith (Arthur); and great-grandson Damien Atreyu Clayton Huelskamp. She is survived by her children, John Denison Hopkins, Jr, and Jane Elizabeth Jandl (Mark); grandchildren, Sean Denison Rogan-Sanchez (Danielle), Jaclyn Louise Malm (Scott), and Sara Elizabeth Rogan; and great-grandchildren, Gage Joey Lennon Deaton, Lucille Sky Eve Bressie and Adeline Penny Sue Hartless.
Jean will be forever remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, aunt, and caring friend known for her kindness and generosity, especially for anything involving reading or music. That kindness touched many people throughout her life and she will be deeply missed by countless family, friends, neighbors and care givers.
Friends and family are encouraged to support Jean’s family by sharing memories on her tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. Private funeral services will take place at First Presbyterian Church of Lansing. Interment will take place in Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. The service will be available to view on the funeral home website at www.prayfuneral.com after December 4, 2021. Memorial contributions are suggested to First Presbyterian Church of Lansing, 510 W Ottawa St, Lansing, MI 48933, of the Charlotte Community Library, 226 S Bostwick, Charlotte, MI 48813. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
Winifred Thaxton
Winifred Dale “DANNY” Thaxton, a quiet man of the outdoors, died Monday, November 15, 2021, a day after his 76th birthday. Danny was born November 14, 1945, in Charleston, WV, the son of Freda and Luey Thaxton. He proudly served in the U.S. Army in Germany during the Vietnam War, from 1965 to 1971. Upon his return, he moved to Charlotte, MI, to go to work 39 years for Owens-Illinois as a journeyman mechanic. Danny married his loving wife, Charlene, on February 25, 2000, combining their families into one. His greatest passion in life was fishing, where he enjoyed the calm and quiet, and the beautiful of nature. Danny was known to go fishing just about any day, no matter the occasion. His family and friends will remember his kind nature, his readiness to say the right thing when it mattered, and, above all, his love for family.
Danny is survived by his wife, Charlene Thaxton; daughters, Malinda Gross and Kathy (Brad) Gill; sons, Shane Thaxton, Sam (Jen) Walters, and Coltyn Field; 10 grandchildren; brothers, David (Toni) Thaxton and Johnny (Sandy) Thaxton; and his nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; son, Jason Field; and son-in-law, Thomas Gross.
Friends and family are encouraged to support Danny’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was from 12:30 -1:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 18, 2021, at Pray Funeral Home, followed by procession to Kalamo Hillside Cemetery for a 2 p.m. Graveside and Military Honors. Memorial contributions are suggested to any charity of choice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
Paul M. Wright
Paul Manford Wight Jr., age 74, of Bellevue, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, November 15, 2021, in the woods doing what he loved. Paul was born March 30, 1947, in Charlotte the son of Paul and Nora (Wood) Wight Sr. He graduated from Bellevue High School with the Class of 1965. In high school Paul enjoyed taking part in numerous different sports and playing the tuba in the band. He set several records in track and field while in high school. On May 23, 1967, Paul married the love of his life, Phoebie Marie Honeycut in Dallas, Texas. Soon after graduating high school Paul enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he honorably served his country. Paul was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He cherished his family and always wanted the best for each of them. Paul retired after many faithful years of service from POST in Battle Creek. Paul enjoyed spending time outdoors especially deer hunting.
Paul will be missed by his children: Patricia Brown of Coldwater; Tommy Wight of Bellevue, Dale (Janora Stevens) Wight of Olivet; 5 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; siblings: Dale (Lois) Wight of Arizona; Phyllis Waltman of Battle Creek, Peggy (Dwayne) Jones of Dowling; sister-in-law, Charlotte Wight; and brother-in-law, Marvin Honeycut.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marie in July of 2021; sisters: Virginia Wight, Sally Wight, Delores (Paul) Ford; brothers: Burrell Wight, and Reuben Wight.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 23, 2021, at 1 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Monday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Kalamo Hillside Cemetery.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Paul’s memory to the family.
To view Paul’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
Linda M. Skeens
Linda Marie Skeens, age 71 from Lansing passed away on November 13, 2021. She was a press operator at WJG Enterprises. Funeral will be held at Pray Funeral on Tuesday November 23, 2021, at 2:00 p.m.