Obituaries
Jeremy D. Craft
Jeremy David Craft, 34 of Charlotte, a talented artist who was very kind and loving to everyone he met, died unexpectedly June 19, 2019 at his home. He was born March 30, 1985 in Charlotte, one of three children to Gerald E. and Trina L. (Schlee) Craft. He attended Stockbridge High School, and later graduated from Potterville High School in 2004. Jeremy had a big heart, always putting everyone else first. His artistic talent helped him win an art contest for creating a logo for Big Red, Pepsi-Bottling Company. Jeremy loved drawing, enjoyed listening to music and was a fan of Korn, playing video games, writing, reading his Bible, and especially doing what was right. He worked 9 ½ years at the City of Potterville, and one year at the school as general maintenance. Quiet and reserved, Jeremy loved his family dearly and was heartbroken when his older brother, Jacob, died unexpectedly in July of 2018.
Jeremy is survived by his parents, Gerald and Trina Craft; sister, Christine Craft; aunts, Wanda (James) Darrow, Tammy (Raymond) Poirier, Mary (Paul) Haase, Nancy (Brian) Sullivan, Judy (Phil) Twitchell; uncles, Dorian Schlee Jr., Vince (Kristine) Schlee, and Wayne (Steve) Schlee-Poirier; sister in-law, Sarah Craft; and many cousins.
He was predeceased by his brother, Jacob Eugene Craft; grandparents, Barbara and Dorian Schlee; and aunt, Theresa Ward.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Pray Funeral Home for final expenses.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Jeremy on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Rebecca S. Cain
Rebecca Sue (Fielder) Cain of Potterville, a steadfast, faithful, strong and loving woman, died June 12, 2019 at the age of 61. Rebecca was born April 14, 1958 in Lansing to Moten and Ruth (Carpenter) Fielder. After graduating as Salutatorian in 1976 from Potterville High School, Rebecca went on to work at the State of Michigan as a Department Technician in Financial Services, retiring in 2016. A love of quilting took Rebecca around the state to many quilt shops with her friends and mother-in-law, Gayle. She made an amazing game quilt for her grandchildren, as well as many crafty toys for them. A very humble and kind woman, she loved making things for others and not telling them whom it was from. Her reward was in knowing she was helping someone else. She taught Sunday School and Youth Group at Oneida Gospel Church in Grand Ledge. Rebecca also enjoyed reading historical fiction, cooking for her family, especially her famous tater-tot casserole. She loved watching the Detroit Tigers baseball and MSU Spartans (especially basketball).
Rebecca is survived by daughter, Jessicca (Kevin) Holland; son, Joseph Cain; daughter-in-law, Christina Moldovan; grandchildren, Erika and Rory Holland, Ryleigh and Zachary Cain, and Logan and Rachael Moldovan; sister, Meredith (Robert) Kaiser; brother, Gerald (Julie) Fielder; and mother-in-law and beloved friend, Gayle Cain.
She was preceded in death by her son, Jonathan Cain; her parents; and siblings, Bonnie Halbeisen and Daniel Fielder.
Funeral services were held Friday, June 21, 2019, at 1 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Rebecca on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Cicelia Hicks
Cicelia Hicks, 66, of Bellevue, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday afternoon, June 16, 2019. She was born in Muskegon, Mich. on April 4, 1953, the daughter of Cecelia Lillie Young and graduated from Hastings High School. Cicelia owned and operated Pride & Joy Day Care in Bellevue for more than 18 years and previously had worked at United Steel & Wire.
Cicelia married the “Love of Her Life,” Clarence W. Hicks in Hastings on December 19, 1969; he survives. She is also survived by her children, Cecilia Hicks of Battle Creek, Dawn (Rodney) Fletcher of Nashville, and Shannon Hicks of Bellevue; seven grandchildren, Amanda Nichols (Eric Simpkins), Sharmen (Cody) Wallace, Austin Ludlow, Kyahsondra (Lucas) Brumm, Brandon Scare, Sahvanuh Fletcher (Caleb Jessup) and Masyn Hicks Shilling; 10 great-grandchildren, Oakley Wallace, Madison Raak, Weslee Raak, Paetyn Wallace, Axel Wallace, Collin Green, Jayce Brumm, Jayden Ludlow, Jordan Ludlow, Kiara Scholtz; and a great-grandson to be born any day, Gunner Brumm; a sister, Annamae Hicks; a brother, Phil Curtis; and her beloved dog “Gizmo.”
Cicelia was sadly preceded in death by her mother, Cecelia Curtis, and her brother-in-law, Calvin Hicks, Sr.
A true matriarch, family was everything to Cicelia and she loved entertaining her family at Christmas and every moment she could spend with them, especially her grandchildren. She was a member of the 4-H Mini Whinnies for many years, and also enjoyed her horses, camping, traveling up north, and gambling at the Casinos.
Funeral services to celebrate Cicelia’s life were held Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek. Interment followed at Hicks West Pennfield Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials directed to the family would be appreciated.
Personal messages for the family may be placed at farleyestesdowdle.com.
Gerald L. Johnson
Gerald Lewis Johnson of Olivet went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Thursday, June 13, 2019 at the age of 67. Jerry was born on May 6, 1952 in Belding, Mich., the son of Gerald and Patricia (Peacock) Johnson. He graduated from Gaylord High School and went on to receive an associate’s degree in the electrical trade. Jerry honorably served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He worked for 28 years at General Motors in skilled trades as an electrician retiring in 2012. Jerry was a longtime member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Charlotte Post #3552 and the UAW Local 652. He was an avid gun enthusiast and outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping at Scalley Lake where he spent many summers. Jerry was also a talented artist and woodworker who would make furniture and stained glass for his family and friends. Above all Jerry was a dedicated husband, father and friend who will be lovingly remembered for his lighthearted personality and his great sense of humor.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Gerald Johnson and Patricia Olmstead; and his brother, Kenneth Johnson.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Daphne Johnson; children, Terri Hall (Bruce Dowding), Jennifer (Scott) Peregoy, Matthew Johnson, Ashley (Mike) Schroll, Brooke Johnson (Marlin Gloor), Charity (Kevin) Dalzell, Jennifer (Andrea) Hayeslip; 10 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sisters, Cindy Parr and Jillian Blair-Johnson.
Services were held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel.
For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Great Lakes Caring Hospice.
To share memories or condolences, please visit SkinnerFuenralHomes.com.
Steven R. Donley
Steven Rae Donley, 78, of Potterville, passed away Friday, June 14, 2019, at his home with his family by his side. He was born June 26, 1940 in Charlotte, the son of Otis and Nelda (Hawley) Donley. Steve graduated from Potterville High School in 1959. He went on to honorably serve his country in the United States Army. On December 14, 1966, he married Linda L. Mosier at the Methodist Parsonage in Potterville. Steve retired from General Motors after 30 years of service. He was a devoted family man who took great interest in his children and grandchildren. Steve’s favorite hobby was bowling and he loved every moment of it. He participated in many different leagues throughout the years at Char-Lanes in Charlotte and Royal Scot in Lansing.
Steve is survived by his wife of 52 years, Linda; children, Jennifer (David) Phillips of Dimondale, Jeffrey (Cheryl) Donley of Potterville, Jason Donley of Potterville; grandchildren, Josh (Shaina) Phillips, Lexie (Dan) Schafer, Nick Phillips, Tori Phillips, Lizzy Phillips, Tommy Phillips, Kristina Donley, Stasi Donley, Matt Donley; great-grandchildren, Damon Wonch, Mathis Phillips, Wyatt Phillips; and sister, Ann (Bruce) Robertson.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial service will be held on July 14, 2019, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the American Legions Post 42 in Charlotte.
Those desiring may make contributions in Steve’s honor to Gift of Life Michigan, 3861 Research Park Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48108.
To view Steve’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.