Obituaries
Gerald George Wine
Gerald (also known as Dad, Grandpa, Papa, Great-Grandpa, Gerry, and Uncle Gerry) went home to be with his Lord and Savior, February 21, 2021. He was born February 7, 1932 to Charles and Cora (Taylor) Wine and grew up on the family farm in Bellevue with brothers, Otto (Oren) and Lawrence; and sisters, Vivetta and Ada May (all deceased). Upon graduating from Bellevue High School, he entered the U.S. Airforce. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Shirley L. (Stahl) Wine, and sons Gerald C. (Jerry) Wine and William M. (Billy) Wine. Surviving are daughters, Cyndie (Gary) Brininstool, Pam (Rick) Dakesian, Christine Wine and sons Jeff Bailey and Brian (Wanda) Wine. He is also survived by brother-in-law and sisters-in-laws, Jim and Penny Clark and LaWanda Wine, 32 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Gerald died of COVID and other related complications. He made his home during the winter months in Texas with his son, Brian. He passed away surrounded by family with his son, Brian, reading him scripture. Before his passing, he was able to FaceTime with all his children and grandchildren in Michigan, Tennessee, and South Carolina to say good-bye.
Gerald was a member of Kalamo Methodist Church. He had many jobs. He was an electrician by trade, a police officer, bus driver, and farmer among other various jobs, but he would tell you his favorite job was being a dad and a grandpa. He enjoyed attending his children’s and grandchildren’s events over the years and was their biggest fan. He will be greatly missed.
A private, graveside service will be held. Memorials may be sent to his church: Kalamo Methodist Church, 1475 S. Ionia Rd., Vermontville, Michigan 49096.
Mark S. Morris
Mark Steven Morris, 66, a passionate Charlotte historian, died unexpectedly on Friday, April 2, 2021 in Charlotte. Mark was born May 15, 1954 in Charlotte, the youngest child of Jack and Frances (Merritt) Morris. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 1972, where he was a talented member of the wrestling team. Mark went west for heavy equipment training, which he parlayed into his service in the U.S. Army. Following his honorable discharge, he went to work at Carefree in Charlotte, and later at Meijer Grocery in Charlotte. Mark was a former member of the Sons of the American Legion. Many will remember Mark walking the sidewalks of Charlotte with his trademark walking stick. He was a passionate activist in local politics, attending many City Council meetings and various other gatherings, where he could always be counted on for comment. He loved sharing his knowledge of local lore and history.
Mark is survived by his sister, Shirley Morris; brothers, Paul (Fay) Morris and Timothy (Susan) Morris; and several nieces and nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents and his brothers, David Stanley Morris and Daniel J. Morris.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Mark on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Paul R. Williams
Paul Robert Williams, age 65, of Potterville, Mich., passed away on Sunday, March 28, 2021.
Paul was born in Watervliet, Mich.. He attended Maple Valley High School in Vermontville, Mich. On May 7, 1976 Paul married Pamela June Goodwin. He was the proud father of two sons. Paul honorably served his country in the United States Army for four years and was employed as a factory worker for 34 years. Paul enjoyed playing pool, he was a hard worker and above all else, loved his family beyond measure.
Paul is survived by his devoted wife Pamela June Williams (Goodwin); his loving sons James and Robert Williams; daughter-in-law Amanda Williams (Jenkins); grandsons Sean, John and Logan. He is also survived by two sisters and one brother.
Paul’s desire was to be cremated and have no viewing or burial services. The Wiliams family is honoring these wishes.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, Mich. For further details please visit their website at danielsfuneralhome.net.
Elizabeth A. Woodhams
Elizabeth Arlene Woodhams, a feisty, adaptable woman who lived a long and wonderful life, went home April 2, 2021. Elizabeth, 99, of Charlotte was born February 28, 1922 in Eaton Township to Claude and Johanna (Klump) Royston. She attended Royston School, Charlotte High School, and Michigan State College Short Course with home economics as her main interest. In 1942, she married Larry Woodhams, and together they raised five children on the family farm on Royston Road. She was able to use her education to make the most of their life on the farm. Her gardening and canning skills were a good fit for her frugal ways, and she loved to bake pies. With her positive nature, she was able to adapt to the life changes that were put in her path. She attended First Baptist Church since a teenager, and became a member on July 4, 1971. She served as a Sunday school teacher, helped in the office, as well as the kitchen. Elizabeth read the daily paper to keep up with current events and was a delightful addition to conversations. She liked to read, do word-search puzzles, write poetry, and she kept up with daily life by recording in 33 journals. Elizabeth was always interested in those around her and kept up with their interests and concerns as well. She maintained her independence by staying in their own home after Larry died in 1979. The family would like to thank Moore’s AFC for taking such good care of Mom since 2016.
Elizabeth is survived by her daughter, Joy (Ray) Black; sons, Ivan (Linda Gerard) Woodhams, Lee (Pat) Woodhams, Gary Woodhams, Jon (Morris) Woodhams; seven grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; sister, Barbara Pardee; many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, Larry; and her sisters, Mavis Potter and Virginia Wohlgemuth.
The family will hold a private graveside ceremony. A memorial service will be held in July, and the family will be extending invitations. Elizabeth loved raising flowers but suggested instead contributions be made to First Baptist Church of Charlotte, or Child Evangelism Fellowship. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Elizabeth on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Julia A. Townsend
Julia A. Townsend, born October 27, 1926 in South Bend, Ind., of Bellevue, Mich. died peacefully at home on March 25, 2021, surrounded by her children.
Julia and her husband, Harold, came to Bellevue in 1945 where they enjoyed lifelong friends and built and operated the Main Street Cafe. They later moved their business to Charlotte, and operated the Charlotte Cafe and later the Townsend’s Restaurant & Lounge.
Julia bought her Harley Davidson motorcycle at 18 and was the first female member of the Kalamazoo Bike Club. Julia loved her family, biking, reading, mushroom hunting, the beach, gambling, and traveling, which she did a lot with Harold after retiring from the restaurant business. Their love and kindness and sense of fun drew many kids in the community to them for guidance. She was hard working, smart, and had incredible wit. She was a devoted wife and friend to many, including her children and grandchildren, and first pick for a euchre partner right until the end.
Survivors include her five children and their spouses, Michael Townsend (Carol) of Towanda, Ill., Patricia Townsend of Bellevue, Mich., Barbara Burkett (David) of Bellevue, Mich., Mary White (Mark) of Bellevue, Mich., and Martha Limauro (Michael) of Charlotte, Mich.; grandchildren, Steven Townsend (Lynnsey), Samantha Fritzen (Tyler), Garry Burkett (Joanne), Rebecca Crum (Brian), Kristina Hine (Denver), Courtney Levigne (Joe), Robert Limauro, Jacob Bloomhuff (Taylor), Chloe Byington (Brent), and Lucas T. Limauro; and 12 great-grandchildren, Carley, Presley, Owen, Bryce, Logan, Julia, Sophia, Hudson, Finley, Aisley, Giavanna and Bronson.
Julia A. Townsend, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt will be missed. Private family funeral to be held at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to the Bellevue Fire Department, 115 East Jackson Street, Bellevue, MI 49021.