Obituaries
Marlene L. Colizzi
Marlene Louise (Johnson) Colizzi, 85, passed away, surrounded by her children, on February 23, 2018 in Charleston, S.C. She was born August 12,1932 in Lake Odessa to Ernest and Zora (Ward) Johnson. She attended Charlotte schools, graduating high school in 1950.
She married Sam Colizzi on June 12, 1965 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Charlotte. Until 1977, she and Sam resided in Charlotte with their three children, Tony, Greg and Kristina. The family relocated to Brighton; Charleston, W.V.; Richmond, Va.; and Charleston, S.C. In her early years, Marlene worked for Eaton Federal Savings Bank in Charlotte, was a troop leader for Brownies and Cub Scouts, and was the PTA President in Brighton at Hawkins Elementary. She held officer positions with Stonehenge Garden Club in Richmond and New Virginians, was an active member of the Italian American Club of Richmond, Va., and joined her husband Sam in many other clubs and activities. She enjoyed travelling, family history, and took great pride in her children, grandchildren, decorating her beautiful homes, cooking and hosting many parties. Marlene kept a home so welcoming that neighborhood kids and friends didn’t hesitate to walk right in to enjoy time with her and Sam. Her words were always filled with kindness, goodness and grace, and those who knew Marlene formed an instant and lifelong bond with her. Her radiant and beautiful eyes, smile and laughter, kind soul and generous ways always touched the hearts of others. She was considerate, hard-working, committed and dedicated to all aspects of her life, and especially cherished her grandchildren and spending time with them.
Marlene is survived by her sons, Tony Colizzi of Daniel Island, S.C.; Greg (Jeannine) Colizzi of Manakin Sabot, Va.; and daughter, Kristina (Robert) Windom of Daniel Island, S.C.; grandsons, John Colizzi, Joseph Colizzi, Max Windom, and granddaughter, Morgan Windom. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Marguerite (Gordon) Johnson of Charlotte; nieces, Diane (Jerry) Baum and Toni (Steve) Wildern; brothers-in-law, and sisters-in law, Don and Elaine Colizzi of Charlotte; John and Joy Colizzi of Northville, Mich.; Dan (Anne) Stango of Fort Wayne, Ind.; nieces Nikki (Jack) Lennemann of East Lansing; Monique Colizzi of Charlotte; Neysa Colizzi of Northville, Mich.; and Angel (Richard) McCrumb of Eaton Rapids; nephew, Leonardo Stango of Fort Wayne, Ind.; as well as many other family members.
Marlene was predeceased in death by her parents; husband, Sam Colizzi in 2016; three sisters; and three brothers.
A funeral service will be held in Charlotte this summer at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, with interment at Maple Hill Cemetery – details forthcoming.
Joyce L. Mishler
Joyce Lavonne Mishler (Kennedy), 83, of Potterville passed peacefully on February 17, 2018, surrounded by her children.
She was born on February 22, 1934 in Grand Ledge, to Russell and Elma (Keesler) Kennedy and was raised in Grand Ledge, Michigan attending Grand Ledge Schools.
Joyce and husband, Donald worked side-by-side in Don’s Pharmacy of Potterville and later at Mackinac Island at the Pharmacy there. She enjoyed reading, camping and traveling with her husband and family. She was an excellent cook and made all of her food from scratch. Halloween was her favorite holiday and every year her entire family came home for her homemade chili and apple pies.
She is survived by three of her four children, Brenda Graham, Dan(Tracy) Mishler, Amy Mishler and one brother, Jim Kennedy of Bryon, Michigan.
She has nine grandchildren that she loved very much, Shelly (Brent) Rehm, Tristan Graham, Ethan (Tina) Graham, Darren (Monelle) Cobb, April (Jesse) Trout, Selena (Dan) Conklin, Russell (Amanda) Mishler, Emily Youngs and Benjamin Mishler; 13 great-grandchildren that she loved to hear about and have visit her. She was always ready for family.
She was preceded in death by husband, Donald and daughter, Gwenn.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Eaton County Palliative Care, 2675 S Cochran Rd., Charlotte, MI 48813.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of her life will be held at Sycamore Creek-Potterville Campus, formerly, Potterville United Methodist Church on Saturday, March 17. The family will begin receiving friends at 11 a.m., with a Eulogy beginning promptly at noon, and luncheon afterward.
Joyce A. Williams
Joyce A. Williams, 80, of Charlotte died at Eaton Community Palliative Care on Friday, February 23, 2018. Joyce was born March 26, 1937 in Coldwater, Mich. to Leo and Mildred (Parker) Donihue. She grew up in Coldwater and the Gull Lake area. Joyce was a 1955 graduate of Kellogg Agricultural School, where she was the drum majorette and a cheerleader.
Joyce married Richard A. Williams in 1959. Joyce was a member of the Eaton County Fair Board and helped facilitate training activities at the racetrack. She retired from the Charlotte Shopping Guide. Upon retirement, they were able to spend many years in the south during the winter months where they managed different harness horse training facilities. Most recently Joyce volunteered at the “Furniture Store” Thrift Shop for Eaton Community Palliative Care where each donation and sale helps care for terminally ill patients.
Surviving are her four children; Tim (Claudine) Williams, Dawne Cohoon, Robin Wolever, Cheryl (Trent) Smith; six grandchildren, Danielle (Jason) Cohoon (Jerome), Travis Cohoon, Raychel (Tyler) Channell, Scott Wolever, Ashia (Chris) Smith (Cosey), Hunter (Carli) Smith (Kirkham); and five great-grandchildren; Ares, Taj, Alba, Apollo and Ty Cosey.
Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Williams; her mother, Mildred Parker; and two brothers, Jerry and Jack Donihue.
The family will hold a private celebration of life in her honor.
Donald B. Turner
Donald Benson Turner, aka “The Fixner,” passed away on February 24, 2018 at the age of 70. The life-long Charlotte resident was born on May 28, 1947 to Robert William and Thelsa E. (Sampson) Turner in Charlotte. His first name was chosen by his grandma, Myrtle Mae Sampson. His philosophies, insights and work ethic are to be admired. Donald never backed down from the truth. He was one to rethink or redesign for a solution, but he never quit. He would always complete the project. He could always be counted on for those who needed help.
He was a perfectionist-do it all the way. He despised the words, “I can’t.” If it’s difficult to do, we do it immediately. If it’s impossible, it will take a little longer. Not impossible, but I’m Possible! His memories of growing up were idyllic in the post-war years. You knew everyone in the neighborhood, and there was no fear. They didn’t have much money, but enjoyed building things such as soapbox derby cars, and such. One of his favorite memories as a young boy was riding a raft “Tom Sawyer style” in the Duffy Drain. It was a “we society” back then, helping each other and the family structure reigned.
Donald was an extreme workaholic, putting in 60 to 70 hours weekly. He was a patient, thorough and disciplined teacher, teaching compliance regulations at Minor Walton Bean (where he was employed for 37 years) and was thoughtful to teach at the needed education level for the varied employees. He took responsibility for their grasping the details, and was known to say, “that if they didn’t pass, he didn’t teach them right.” He had a fantastic memory with details and an uncanny sense of direction. One of his dreams was to fly an airplane.
He tutored for residential construction at LCC. As a final exam for an LCC class, he wrote the City of Lansing payroll computer program. He was determined to maintain the 100-year-old homestead and enjoyed gardening and the chores that went along with the family property. He restored a 1937 John Deere tractor with one of his buddies. He enjoyed attending church with his family, and loved singing the southern gospel hymns. He had a strong bass voice, and loved to harmonize.
Donald is survived by his siblings, David Turner, and Nancy Turner. He was preceded in death by his parents.
If desired, the family suggests memorial donations to The Courthouse Square Association.
Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online in Donald’s tribute page at prayfuneral.com.
Rex D. Royston, Sr.
Rex Duane Royston Sr., a hard-working farmer and jack-of-all-trades, 93, of Charlotte and formerly Vermontville, died February 23, 2018. Rex was born July 2, 1924 in Lansing to Leo and Freda (Sawdy) Royston. Rex loved being outdoors and spending time on the farm with his grandchildren, fishing, and going to auctions. These are his family’s fondest memories of him. He collected clocks, and loved to tinker…he was always working at something. When he did sit down, he loved reading Louis L’Amour westerns and listening to country music.
Rex is survived by his sons, Rex (Kay) Royston Jr., Gary (Kieran) Royston; daughters, Nancy (Dennis) Carpenter, and Sue Fawley; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one great great-grandchild; sister, Fern Royston; and brothers, Lyle (Shirley) Royston, and Gerald (Joan) Royston.
He was predeceased by his wife, Ruth; brothers, Donald and Loren; and sister, Leah.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, February 28, 2018, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Lansing Hospice.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Rex on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.