Obituaries
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.
Phyllis Elaine Root
Phyllis Elaine Root, aged 90, passed away suddenly but peacefully, Tuesday, May 28 at the Corewell Hospital, Hastings, MI.
Phyllis was born May 14, 1934 in Charlotte, MI, the middle child of Lynn and Ila (Dexter) Griffin. She was preceded in death by 1 brother, Dexter Griffin and 1 sister, Barbara Widrig. On October 19, 1952, Phyllis married Millard Von Root and together they had 6 children, 5 of whom survive: 2 daughters, Duonna (Mrs. Tom Worstell) of Richmond Hill, GA, and Sheila (Mrs. Robert Veitch) of Lake Odessa, MI; 3 sons and their spouses, Kevin (Teresa) Root of Charlotte, Tim (Doreen) Root of Vermontville, and Curtis (Connie) Root of Hastings. Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Millard, and one son, Mark (Jodi) Root of Charlotte. Millard passed away just 22 days short of their 70th wedding anniversary.
Phyllis and Millard raised their children on the family farm just northwest of Charlotte. They became Christians early in their marriage and together they taught and led hundreds of people to the Lord. She always wanted to support Millard’s Bible teaching and preaching and was the quiet, always present, force behind him.
Phyllis was not only a beloved wife and mother, but also a talented quilter, seamstress, painter, gardener, baker and stone mason who showered family and friends with the gifts from her hands. Truly she was much like the Virtuous Woman of Proverbs 31, and her children called her blessed as did her husband.
Phyllis was the last surviving member of her generation and is survived by 21 grandchildren and 41 grandchildren.
Friends are encouraged to support Phyllis’ family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, June 3, 2024 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with George Blanch officiating. Visitation will be from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. on Monday, just prior to the service. Interment will take place at Gresham Cemetery. 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 Phyllis’ tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made in care of Sheila Veitch for various charities. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Earl Leroy Howser
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Earl Leroy “Lee” Howser. He left this world on May 20, 2024, just a few days before his birthday of May 31. A truly remarkable soul, Lee was a community leader, a man whose generosity knew no bounds, and a loving father. “He was a kind and generous dad, far beyond what his children deserved!” his daughter, Julie, lovingly said.
Lee married Norma Jane Amos in 1957. They were married for 64 years when Norma passed in 2021. Their three children, Christopher Lee, of Traverse City, Steven Daniel, of Jackson, and Julie Ann, of Charlotte, survive him, along with grandchildren, Ryan, Nathan, Michael, and Addison. Three great-grandchildren, Xander, Avery, and Ryleigh, complete the Howser family.
Lee came from very humble beginnings but bettered himself through education along the way. After his high school graduation, where he was salutatorian, he was recruited to play basketball at Lincoln University in Missouri. He then attended Missouri University, where he received his master’s degree, and later his Ph.D. at Michigan State University.
In his early days he was a television personality on KRCG-TV in Missouri. In 1964 he taught school and was the head basketball coach in Jefferson City, Missouri. Lee served as the president of Jackson Community College from 1993-2001, and the Howser Child Development Center at JCC was named after Lee and Norma when he retired. He was instrumental in the creation of the center, in order to provide single mothers with safe and free childcare to give them the opportunity to seek better employment.
Lee Howser accomplished much in life. He worked with General Colin Powell, for instance, on his “Promise to Youth Alliance,” a program to improve the life of America’s at-risk youth. He helped establish Michigan Education Foundations at Jackson Community College and later at Charlotte Public Schools, raising millions of dollars. Working with astronauts McDivitt, Worden, and Lousma, he helped found the Michigan Space Center in Jackson. Lee founded the Jackson Enterprise Group, an economic development model. He served as president and chairman of the Jackson United Way. He actively supported many non-profit organizations, such as the Jackson Symphony Orchestra, the Shakespeare Festival, the Jackson Balloon Festival, the Ella Sharp Museum, the American Cancer Society, the Courthouse Square Museum, and many more.
On a fun note, each year Lee enjoyed Halloween at his daughter’s “Halloween House” in Charlotte, Michigan. He loved interacting with people and talking to the children. He would dress up to greet them at the door, sometimes as Elvis, other times as a spider.
With a love for animals, the Howser home was a sanctuary for various furry friends brought home by his children as they were growing up; “It didn’t matter what you dragged home, or where you found it, a lost animal was always welcome. You knew you could take it to the vet and Dad would pay.”
Lee will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His spirit lives on in the countless lives he touched and the legacy of kindness and compassion he leaves behind. As we mourn his loss, we should also celebrate the incredible life he lived and the positive impact he had on the world around him.
You are encouraged to share memories of Lee on his tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com, or by attending memorial services to honor Lee’s life. The memorial will be held on Sunday, June 2, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. A visitation will be held just prior to the service from 1-3:00 p.m. 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 Lee’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Howser Child Development Center through the Jackson College Foundation. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.