Obituaries
Ravis M. Hampton
Ravis “Ray” Matthew Hampton, 85, of Charlotte, died Friday, November 23, 2018 in Lansing. Ray was born September 30, 1933 in Paragould, Ark., the son of Amsey and Ethel (Morgan) Hampton. He moved to Michigan, where he worked on the line for General Motors for 32 years, retiring in 1988. On April 15, 1971, Ray married Carol Noble, and the two enjoyed travelling together. They lived in Arkansas and Kentucky after retirement, and eventually settled back in Michigan. Ray loved the outdoors. He meticulously cared for the lawn, and enjoyed trips to Montana deer hunting. His greatest passion was fishing. He made many of his own rods and lures throughout the years.
Ray is survived by his wife of 47 years, Carol Hampton of Charlotte; daughter, Michelle Hampton-Beard of Tyler, Texas; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his brothers and sisters.
A private interment will take place in Kentucky at a later date. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Ray on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Mary A. Williams
Mary A. Williams, 72, of Charlotte, passed away Sunday, November 25, 2018, at the Dimondale Center. She was born September 5, 1946, in Charlotte the daughter of Elmer and Alice (Ward) Conard. Mary graduated from Charlotte High School in 1964 and then went on to graduate from Jackson Business University in 1966. Mary married Allen H. Williams on September 27, 1984. She retired after 19 years of service as a bookkeeper for Quality Dairy in Lansing. Mary spent the last several years of her life living at the Dimondale Center. She was a kind and compassionate lady who always put others first in her life. Mary was an advocate for her fellow residence and took great pride in her position. Mary was a life member of the VFW Maple City Post #2406 Ladies Auxiliary.
Mary is survived by her cousins, Sue Hardy of Kalamazoo, Pat Conard of Eaton Rapids; numerous second cousins; step-children, Suzanne and Mary; step-grandchildren, Veronica and Marty.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Allen; and stepdaughter, Patricia.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 1, 2018, at 1 p.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, with Rev. Gary Wales officiating. The family will receive friends from noon to 1 p.m. on Saturday, just prior to the service. Interment will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Mary’s honor to the VFW Maple City Post #2406, 695 Lansing Road, Charlotte, MI 48813 or the American Cancer Society.
To view Mary’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Alfred W. Miller, Jr.
Alfred W. Miller Jr., 75, of Charlotte, passed away Monday, November 26, 2018, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. He was born October 10, 1943, in Fort Wayne, Ind., the son of Alfred and Geraldine (Eitniear) Miller. He graduated from Northside High School, Ft. Wayne, Ind. in 1962. On January 29, 1966, he married Sandra Jean Taylor. Al was an avid outdoorsman. He had a passion for hunting and fishing. Al was a tremendous husband, father, and grandfather. He adored spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was also very fond of his two shih tzu dogs, Lacey and Blaze. Al proudly served his county in the United States Navy. He retired from Mercy Ambulance, where he worked as an EMT Specialist.
Al is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sandra; children, Scott Miller of Vermontville, Michael (Shawn) Miller of Grand Ledge, Tricia (Ken) Mullins of Charlotte; grandchildren, Blake (Nicki) Miller, Cody Mullins, Samantha Mullins; siblings, Larry (Pam) Miller of Charlotte, Jeff (Lisa) Steers of Kokomo, Ind., Pam Wendorf of Polk City, Fla., Lynn (Chuck) Jenson of Sheridan, Mich.; step-mother, Joyce Miller of Polk City, Fla.; several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Anna Kiss, and Darrell Miller.
In keeping with Alfred’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial gathering may take place at a later date.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Al’s honor to the family.
To view Al’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Shirley King
Shirley (Easey) King, a humble, strong, and joyful wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, died Monday, November 26, 2018. Shirley, 55, was born August 3, 1963, in Hastings, to Lewis and Berneda (Campbell) Easey. Following graduating from high school, Shirley went to work for The Carters IGA in Charlotte where she met Fred King. On February 23, 1984, the two married and created their 34-year legacy together. Most recently Shirley worked as a HR Specialist for Dakkota Integrated Systems in Lansing, for over 15 years. Shirley loved planning parties/family get-togethers, it was common for her to have 30-plus people over for Thanksgiving or Christmas Dinner. She would prepare a five-course meal. Shirley devoted her life to working and helping others. Her other passions in life were, cooking, crafting, shopping, traveling to Florida, and being a grandma. Above all, Shirley loved her family.
Shirley is survived by her loving family; husband, Fred; sons, Steve (Stephanie) King, Josh King; grandchildren, Tiberius and Malakai King; siblings, Tommy, Gary, Donnie, Carol, Ellen, Bessie, David, Anita, Julie, and Annie; numerous nieces and nephews; and her two Yorkshire Terriers, Emma and Bella.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, and sister, Mary.
Friends are encouraged to support Shirley’s family at visitation and memorial services. Memorial services are Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 2 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Steve Olmstead officiating. Visitation will be held for two hours prior to the service, from noon to 2 p.m.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at pancan.org. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Shirley on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
J.W. Carroll
J.W. Carroll, 77, of Vermontville, passed away Thursday, November 22, 2018, at his home. He was born April 25, 1941, in Chumuckla, Fla., the son of Buster and Cecil (Spicer) Carroll. On June 26, 1961, he married the love of his life, Cathy Husted, in Belding, at the family home. J.W. was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved spending time with those he loved most. When J.W. wasn’t busy with family or work, he enjoyed spending time on the water fishing or gardening. He and Cathy also loved traveling throughout the United States in the motorhome. J.W. retired after 30 years of service from General Motors in Lansing.
J.W. is survived by his children, Annette (Terry) Frith, Jeremy (Erin) Carroll, Josh Carroll, Becky (Ed) Bruce; 10 grandchildren; eight-and-a-half great-grandchildren; and one spoiled Bella.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 56 years, Cathy; son, Jim Carroll; daughter, Diane Sue Carroll; grandson, Jacob Carroll; siblings, Wayne Carroll, Sybil Telfer, and Sue Wolf.
A memorial service was held on Wednesday, November 28, 2018, at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, with Pastor Shane Bryant officiating. Burial will take place at the Evergreen Township Cemetery in Sheridan, Mich. at a later date.
Those desiring may make contributions in J.W.’s memory to Charlotte Assembly of God or the charity of their choice.
To view J.W.’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.