Obituaries
Carol Atkins
Carol Atkins, a fun-loving and supportive daughter, sister, friend, and teacher died on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, after a five-year battle with cancer. Carol, 63, of Pattersonville, N.Y., was born on September 5, 1957, in Charlotte, Mich. She was the daughter of Warren and Julie (Schafer) Atkins. After graduating from Charlotte High School Carol earned her undergraduate degree from Central Michigan and then a master’s degree from the State University of New York at Cortland.
Carol devoted her life to teaching and coaching. She began her career in Schenectady Catholic Schools. She continued in Scotia Glenville Central Schools teaching at both the middle school and at the elementary level. Coaching was a passion for Carol, and while at Scotia Glenville Carol coached softball and volleyball for many years. Carol retired in 2016. Carol was active in the Scotia Glenville Teachers’ Association and the New York Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, where Carol was a past president of the Capital Zone. In recent years Carol was also active in her support of Camp Bravehearts, an oncology camp for women. Carol was an avid tennis player. She also enjoyed traveling with family and friends, participating in book and movie clubs, working in her flower garden, listening to music, and most importantly, spending time with family and friends.
Carol is survived by her father, Warren (Ronni) Atkins; siblings, Beverly (Will) Spencer, Gary Atkins, Steve (Carol) Atkins, Jamie ((Angie) Atkins, Tina Atkins; nieces and nephews Gary Atkins,Jr., Annjanette (David) Warren, Jordan Shook, Zackery (Kendra) Shook, Taylor Shook, Conor (Emma) Atkins, Kendyll Atkins; great-nieces and -nephew, Anslee Atkins, Lillianna Shook, and Harper Shook; and her four-legged companion, Nellie. Carol was predeceased by her mother, Julie Atkins, in 2018.
Memories of Carol may be shared on her tribute page at prayfuneral.com. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 28, 2021, at 2 p.m. in the Pray Funeral Home Gardens in Charlotte with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service and beginning at 12 noon. The funeral will be webcast and can be viewed from any device with internet access by going to prayfuneral.com. Click on Carol’s tribute, and then click on photos and videos. A memorial service is also being planned for Carol at a later date in New York. The family has suggested that memorial contributions be made to Camp Bravehearts, 9 Cambridge Road, Albany, New York 12203 or Braveheartscamp.org. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Jerry L. Cords
Jerry Lee Cords, a caring, genuine, hardworking and loyal, father, grandfather, brother and friend, died August 25, 2021. Jerry, 79, was born August 24, 1942, in Charlotte, Mich. to Loyd and Florence (Boyd) Cords. He was a graduate of Olivet High School. On September 23, 1961, Jerry married the love of his life Marilyn Serrels and together started their legacy. Working hard was no fear for Jerry, he worked very hard to provide for his family. He worked alongside his father, brother, and in later years his sons for LJT Well Drilling, and as a cash crop farmer and the owner of FML Inc. Jerry was very proud to be able to pass his work ethic down to his children who followed in his footsteps with working on the family farm and well drilling business. When Jerry was not farming or working, he enjoyed hunting, especially hunting trips out west, fishing, horse pulling, going to local tractor pulls, and taking trips around the country in his motorhome. Jerry had the honor of receiving the Honorary Member FFA chapter award for his volunteer work with the FFA over the years. Above all his proudest accomplishments was his family, and his successful farming operations that he created.
Jerry is survived by his sons, Loyd (Angie) Cords, John (Sherry) Cords, Seth (Jill) Cords; grandchildren, Jennifer, Cody (Samantha), Blaine and Allison Cords; great-grandchildren, Jake and Delilah Crowner; siblings, Terry (Emma) Cords, Connie (Jim) Hiatt. Jerry was predeceased by his wife of 30 years, Marilyn; granddaughter, Paige Cords; grandson, JC Cords; brother, Lonnie Cords; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Jerry’s family at visitation and funeral services. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 31, 2021, at 11 a.m. at the family farm in Charlotte with Pastor Scott Brood officiating. Visitation is Monday, August 30, 2021, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. in the Pray Funeral Home Gardens. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Paige Cords Memorial Fund to benefit local 4-H and FFA projects. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Jerry on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Oscar Wood
Oscar “Pete” Wood, 87, passed comfortably in his home in Charlotte, Mich. on August 23, 2021, with family. He was born July 24, 1934, in Eaton Rapids, Mich. to Carl and Gladys (Norris) Wood. He joined the Marine Corps after graduating high school. After his time as a marine, he met his sweetheart, Ruth Collin. They married in 1960. He retired from GM/UAW 652 after 31 years. With Ruth, they fostered 85 children. He was an avid bowler and he and Ruth enjoyed traveling and spending quality time with family and friends.
Pete was predeceased by his parents; wife, Ruth Wood; and siblings, Carl Wood Jr., Betty Dilday, Dorothy Carpenter, Lawrence Wood, Sharon McManus, and Jerry Wood. He is survived by his children, David (Tina) Pepera, Kevin (Nancy) Pepera, Julie (Ernie) Kunkel, and Jeffrey (Melinda) Wood; grandchildren, Chase Pepera, Tyler Pepera, Shannon Pena, Chris Day, Chelsea Post, Lexie Shumaker, Devon Wood, Bailey Wood, Marissa Wood, Jason Baker, Amanda Munson, Krystal Day, Amber Banaszak, Brooke Russell, Katie Levering; and several great-grandchildren. Pete is also survived by sister-in-law, Shirley Wood.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Pete on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. Visitation will be Sunday, August 29, 2021, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. The funeral will be Monday, August 30, 2021, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to PrayFuneral.com, click on Pete’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 Hospice of Lansing or Eaton Community Palliative Care. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Thomas E. Orr
Thomas Eugene Orr, of Eaton Rapids, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family, August 17, 2021, at the age of 55. Tom was born in Jackson, Mich., July 18, 1966, the son of Edmund and Irene (Fitzgerald) Orr. He graduated from Everett High School in 1984 and served with the US Marine Corps. Tom worked for the Board of Water and Light for the past 35 years where he finished his career as a supervisor in the Steam Department. He was an avid Harley rider, owning three of his own, loved working on them, enjoyed listening to rock and roll music and hunting.
Thomas is survived by his wife, Roxy Orr; son, Cody Orr of Eaton Rapids; grandson, Blake Orr of Eaton Rapids; sister, Becky Olson of Traverse City. He was preceded in death by his parents.
No services are planned at this time. Memorial contributions may be made to the VFW National Home for Children, 3573 S. Waverly Rd. Eaton Rapids, MI 48827. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. To leave online condolences please visit their website at millsfuneral.com.
Thomas Hernandez III
Tomas Hernandez III, of Crossville, Ala. and formerly of Eaton Rapids, Mich. passed away unexpectedly on August 11, 2021, at the age of 59. Tom was born on September 18, 1961, in Raymondville, Texas to Tomas C. Hernandez, Jr. and Porfiria (Ganzaba) Hernandez. He attended Everett High School and went on to work as a rough framer and carpenter. Tom was an avid NASCAR and WWE Wrestling fan and enjoyed fishing, cooking and grilling out. Above all he was a loving husband, father and grandfather who loved his family and the time he spent with them.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Tomas C. Hernandez, Jr. and Porfiria (Ganzaba) Hernandez; brother, Juan Hernandez and brother-in-law, Andrew Perkins.
Surviving is his wife of 33 years, Melinda (Main) Hernandez; children, Tomas (Stephanie) Hernandez IV, Christopher Hernandez, Sierra (Aaron) Hernandez, Joseph (Bobbi) Thomas; sisters, Margarita (Arthur) Lilly, Anna Hernandez, Jane Lilly; brother, Cristobal Hernandez; numerous grandchildren, bonus children, Kirk (Savannah) Sherman, Molly (Toby) Brothers and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 2, 2021 at Skinner Funeral Homes, Eaton Rapids Chapel. The family will receive friends starting at 10:00 a.m. and host a luncheon immediately following the service. For those desiring memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice in memory of Tom. To share memories or leave condolences please visit skinnerfuneralhomes.com.