Obituaries
Nellie M. (Weisenberg) Schmidt
Nellie Margaret (Weisenberg) Schmidt, 87, of Charlotte, a woman of unconditional love and generosity, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on Sunday, December 9, 2018 in Grand Ledge, lovingly surrounded by her family. Nellie was born January 16, 1931 in Lansing, the daughter of Voigt and Hazel (Mapes) Mathews. She graduated from Lansing Eastern High School in 1948 before marrying Elmer Joseph Weisenberg on February 11, 1949, and settling into family life. Nellie and Elmer enjoyed 31 years of marriage until his death in 1980. Nellie was an active mother, engaging in the PTA and Girl Scouts. She worked hard to always support her children and grandchildren, as well as managing her career as a fiscal analyst for the National Guard, State of Michigan Department of Military Affairs, retiring in 1991. Nellie married Harry Norman Schmidt on June 3, 2005 and the two were married 12 years until his death in 2017. Nellie served her community in many ways, including reigning as Queen of the Red Hat Society and actively volunteering at the Eaton Area Senior Center, where she was often seen in the kitchen. Nellie’s fried chicken was legendary, as was all of her cooking and her abilities as a seamstress, crafter and gardener. Above all, Nellie’s legacy as a loving mother and grandmother will be cherished by many.
Nellie is survived by her children, Carol (Robert) Horness, Conni (Douglas) Artin, Cindy (J.J.) Jackson, and David (Paulette) Weisenberg; step-son, Harry E. Schmidt; 22 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; nine great great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her first husband, Elmer; second husband, Harry; and all five of her siblings.
Friends are encouraged to support Nellie’s family at visitation and funeral services. Funeral services are at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 15, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Brad Dyrness officiating. Visitation was from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, December 14, 2018 at the funeral home.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Heartland Hospice or Fairview Grand AFC.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Nellie on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
William R. Sutherland
William “Bill” R. Sutherland, 83, of Charlotte, passed away Sunday, December 2, 2018. He was born May 7, 1935, in Lansing, the son of Frank and Doris (Rose) Sutherland. Bill graduated from Charlotte High School in 1953. He then went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and his master’s degree in music education from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago. On June 8, 1963, Bill married the love of his life Charlene L. Dahn at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bay City. Bill went on to teach music at Linden High School for 18 years and later retired from Charlotte High School after 14 years of serving as the band director. He served as the president of MSBOA for many years. Bill was honored to be chosen as Teacher of the Year by MSBOA. He also served as the organist for the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church for many years and played in numerous musical groups. Bill loved his job and never considered it a burden. He thought of it as more of a hobby. Bill cherished his students and took great interest in each and every one he was able to mentor.
Bill is survived by his wife of 55 years, Charlene; children, Brian Sutherland of Bay City, Leslie A. Gifford of Lansing, grandchildren, Alexander Sutherland, Amelia Sutherland; mother, Doris Sutherland of Charlotte; siblings, Dick (Jan) Sutherland of Coldwater, Dorene (Jim) Woolworth of Edmore; and numerous cherished friends and students.
He was preceded in death by his father, Frank Sutherland; and brother, Bradford Sutherland.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 11 a.m. at the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church, with Rev. Gary Wales officiating. The family received friends on Friday, December 7, 2018, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Bill’s memory to the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church, 210 E. Lawrence Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813 or Eaton Community Palliative Care, 2675 S. Cochran Rd., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Bill’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Cheryl D. Tabor
Heaven gained another angel, Cheryl Darlene Tabor, 69, of Charlotte, on November 30, 2018. She was born on June 24, 1949, to William C. Bowers and Lorene Locklear (Detherage) in Detroit. Cheryl will be remembered most for her selfless personality, and as a faithful witness and prayer warrior for her family and friends. She has been a devoted member of the Real Life Church in Charlotte, and shared her Godly spirit generously. She loved all people and was loved by all. She enjoyed being artistic and crafting time; gardening, reading, and attending church. She loved her family and the home that was created with them.
She was employed as a press operator at John Henry Multi-Packaging Solutions and retired in 2015.
Cheryl is survived by her husband, Mike; son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Shelly Ballard; grandchildren, Tyler and Jesse Ballard; brother and sister-in-law, William and Patti Bowers; and much loved pets, Daisy and Louie. She was preceded in death by her father, William Bowers and mother, Lorene Locklear.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at Real Life Church in Charlotte, with Pastor Andy Shaver officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, or Real Life Church.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories and condolences on Cheryl’s tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Diane K. Brammer
Diane Kay Brammer, 70, formerly of Charlotte, died peacefully on Sunday, December 2, 2018 in Marshall. Diane was born September 15, 1948, the daughter of George and Barbara (Lewellyn) Radee. In her early years, Diane loved being outdoors in the sunlight and dancing. She married Phillip Brammer, and the two lived in countless places throughout the country as they followed Phil’s career with Owens-Illinois. Diane also worked 10 years with the company in Charlotte, before settling in to raise their daughters. Phil’s coworkers always looked forward to Diane’s delicious baked goods. She was a talented cook and enjoyed crafting and fishing. In their retirement, Diane and Phil spent years in Texas, Florida, and their final years in Charlotte. They enjoyed family time vacationing all across the country and visiting the many friends from their past hometowns. Above all, Diane loved her family.
Diane is survived by her loving daughters, Tonya Clough of Climax and Cindy Trumble of Fort Collins, Colo.; two grandsons, Davey Clough and Eric Trumble; sister, Vicki Wright; brothers, Toby (Rhonda) Radee and George (Kathy) Radee; and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, Phillip Brammer in 2017, and her parents.
A memorial service was held Thursday, December 6, 2018 at First Baptist Church of Charlotte, with Ray Black officiating.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Michigan Parkinson’s Foundation or the Dementia Society of America.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Diane on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Gary G. Carrick
Gary G. Carrick, 77, of Charlotte, passed away Thursday, November 29, 2018, at his home. He was born February 24, 1941, in Houghton Lake, the son of Guy and Alice Carrick. Gary graduated from Houghton Lake High School in 1959. He then went on to move to Lansing. During his life Gary worked at many different jobs. He worked as a code enforcement officer for the City of Lansing, as a firefighter for the City of Lansing, and as a union bricklayer. Gary was an avid outdoorsman. He loved hunting, fishing, and canoeing.
Gary is survived by his daughter, Jamie Carrick of Charlotte; son, Timothy (Rebecca) Carrick of Lansing; four grandchildren; and sisters, Sharon Kravat and Gwen Wise.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Delores Fuller Carrick; and three sisters.
In keeping with Gary’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no services will be held.
Those desiring may make contributions in Gary’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
To view Gary’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.