Obituaries
Sylvia Rose Mears
Sylvia Rose Mears, age 81, of Charlotte, a kind soul that lived for God, family and friends, died unexpectedly November 11, 2019. Born December 4, 1937, in Owosso to Earl and Joyce (Purdy) Tefft, she graduated from Perry High School. Sylvia enjoyed being a mother and grandmother and loved telling the story of her “miracle twin granddaughters.” Her family describes her as the sweetest lady ever. Always appreciative of the small gifts in life, Sylvia’s life reflected her beliefs as a woman of God. She was always generous and supportive of her friends and family. Sylvia truly lived for summer and yard sales and filled in her winter with thrift store shopping to get by until the next yard-sale season. A great cook, Sylvia was known for her oatmeal cake — the dish she brought to most potlucks.
Sylvia died in a tragic accident with her son and daughter-in-law, Duane “Dewy” and Sharon Mears. She is survived by her daughter, Joy Martin; granddaughters, Ashley Vaughn and Jessica Martin; and sisters, Charlice Crane and Nila Baldwin. She was predeceased by her husband, Thurman “Sonny” Mears; sister, Earline Bowen; and brother, Lloyd Tefft.
Friends are encouraged to support the Mears family at visitation and funeral services. Funeral services are Saturday, November 16, at 11 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Mark Booth officiating. Visitation is scheduled for Friday, November 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society “Lavonne’s Lame Ducks Relay for Life of Eaton County.” Friends and family are asked to share memories of Sylvia on her Tribute Pages at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
John Dorance Truax
John Dorance Truax, a hardworking man of logic and love for his God and family, died peacefully on Thursday, November 7, 2019, in Lansing. John, age 77, of Charlotte, was born January 26, 1942, in Mount Clemens, MI, the son of James Laverne and Florence Lillian (Torrey) Truax. He graduated high school in Warren, MI, before attending Michigan Technological University and earning a bachelor’s degree in physics. On August 23, 1968, John married his life-long love, Lynne Irene Cotter, and the two started their family. Throughout the years, they lived in many states – including Texas, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Kentucky and Michigan. John worked in various careers with each move – including teaching, computer programming, HVAC, Walmart greeter and the Michigan Department of Transportation. John and Lynne settled in Charlotte in 2007, where John went to work at the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office. Many will remember John as a kind-hearted man, always working harder than 100 percent at everything he did in life and work. He was a voracious reader, often reading countless books at a time. He was a devoted member of Bellevue First Baptist Church. Above all, he loved his family, especially his grandchildren.
John is survived by his wife of 51 years, Lynne; their sons, James (Sarah) Truax of North Easton, MA, Joel (Faith) Truax of Charlotte, and Jason (Jessica) Truax of Charlotte; five perfect grandchildren, Brianna, Shyann, Sierra, Saphirah, and Wyatt Truax; step-brother, Don (Sophia) Acton of Los Angeles; and step-sister, Dorothy Crafts of Rochester, MI. Also special to John were his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Don and Kathy Gilman and their family. He was predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, Don and Barbara Truax; and step-brother-in-law, John Crafts.
A memorial service was held on Tuesday, November 12, 2019, at Bellevue First Baptist Church with Pastor Don Francis officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Bellevue First Baptist Mission Fund. Friends and family are asked to share memories of John on his Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.
Winford Collins
Winford Collins, age 87, of Olivet, passed away Monday, November 4, 2019, at his home. He was born August 24, 1932, in Salyersville, KY, the son of Daniel Boon and Lola (Perkins) Collins. On June 30, 1951, he married the love of his life, Norma Jean Gullett. Soon after his marriage, he was drafted into the United States Army and faithfully served his country from 1953 to 1955. Throughout his life, Winford had many occupations. He worked as a barber, farrier and carpenter, just to name a few. Although he enjoyed them all, he found his life’s calling as a pastor. He ministered for 12 years at Faith Assembly of God in Urbandale and Eaton Rapids Assembly of God for 12 years. He had a passion for music. Winford and Norma began singing together early in their marriage, and the children would soon join them. He also enjoyed playing many different stringed instruments.
Winford is survived by his wife of 68 years, Norma; daughters: Karen (Ken) Schriner of Olivet, Cheryl “Harrington” (Eric) Libersher of Olivet; grandchildren: Sara (James) Malizzi, Joel (Melissa) Hammond, Rachel (Ted) Hunt, Anna Boyer, Ethan Schriner, Jamie (Jason) Veith, Danielle (Brandon) Denman, Ken (Miranda) Schriner, Alexia Hart, Kayle (Leighanna) Harrington, Moriah (Cliff) Gumbert, Hannah (Jake) Miller, Faith Harrington, Seth Harrington; 30 great grandchildren; sisters: An Lue Davidson, Mary Jane (Ron) Montanye.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sons-in-law: Mike Harrington and Steve Hammond; and eight brothers.
Funeral services were held on Friday, November 8, 2019, at Faith Assembly of God in Olivet. Private family interment took place at Rice Creek Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Winford’s honor to Faith Assembly of God, 9800 S. Cochran Ave., Olivet MI 49076.
To view Winford’s obituary online, or to leave a condolence for the family, visit www.burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Larry Lavern King
Larry Lavern King, age 79, of Charlotte, passed away Sunday, November 10, 2019, at his home. He was born October 26, 1940, at the family farm in Roxand Township, the son of Lavern and Beatrice (Rogers) King. Larry graduated from Charlotte High School in 1959. On August 25, 1962, he married Joan Kay Hale at the First Congregational Church of Charlotte. Larry was a lifelong farmer. He lived his entire life on the same farm where he was born. Larry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved spending time with his family. Whether it was working on the farm or enjoying a relaxing evening together, he cherished each and every moment. Larry looked forward to his daily visits with his neighbors. He was also a very talented woodworker. Larry leaves a true legacy of love that will always be remembered.
Larry is survived by his wife of 57 years, Joan; sons, John (Maria) King of Charlotte, Jeff (Rhonda) King of Charlotte; grandchildren: Elizabeth (Jake) Putnam of Charlotte, Amanda (Brandon) Brown of Grand Ledge, Scott King of Charlotte, Madison King of Charlotte, Grace King of Charlotte; great-grandchildren: Ryleigh Putnam, Peyton Putnam, JJ Putnam, Kierra Hough, Baylee Brown and Lucas King.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
In keeping with Larry’s wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be a memorial gathering on Saturday, November 16, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Roxand Township Hall in Mulliken.
To view Larry’s obituary online, or to leave a condolence for the family, visit www.burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com. The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Lance Wireman
Lance Wireman of Charlotte, MI lost his long battle with mental illness on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, at the age of 36. Lance was born on August 20, 1983, in Lansing, the son of Diana VanVleet and Gene Wireman. He attended Charlotte public schools, worked for Walmart and, most recently, for CVS Pharmacy as a shift manager. He was a loving and caring person who could always make you laugh. Lance loved his siblings, his family and Patricia Johns with all his heart. He enjoyed bowling, playing video games with his brother, hanging out with his sister and two nephews and trips to visit his grandparents on Lake Lavine in southern Michigan. His greatest passion in life was writing, and he especially loved writing music.
He is preceded in death by his uncles, John VanVleet and Robert VanVleet.
Surviving are his mother, Diana (Bob) Lake; father, Gene Wireman (Cindy); brother, Bryce Lake; sister, Jennifer Wireman (Jesse); grandparents, Robert Jr. and Donna VanVleet, Betty Whitaker-Factor; nephews, Jayce and Jax who he adored; best friend, Jake Flermoen; his one and only, Patricia Johns and several aunts, uncles, cousins and special friends.
A memorial service and dinner will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, November 17, 2019, at the Charlotte American Legion. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Go Fund Me page in memory of Lance. To share memories or condolences, visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.