Obituaries
Jerry Eugene Vinson
Jerry Eugene Vinson’s worldly journey ended on November 5, 2024, surrounded by love and family in Lucedale, Mississippi. He was born June 3, 1949 in Dothan, Alabama, to Euger Cornelius and Lura T. (Lee) Vinson, but spent the better part of the last 30 years in Charlotte, Michigan. Jerry relished the joys of woodworking, operating his tractor on the family farm, driving semi-trucks, and being a soldier for 23 years, but most of all, Jerry loved time with his family. Jerry was a dedicated husband of 54 years. He was a committed family man with a hard-working, yet humble heart, full of love and adoration for all of his family.
Jerry grew up in Charlotte, and graduated from high school in 1968, he then proudly served his country in the U.S. Army for 23 years. He was a drill sergeant (BCT and AIT) for two 2-year stints while stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He served two tours in Vietnam; one tour in Gelenhausen, Germany; as well as being stationed at Ft. Eustis, Virginia, and Ft. Rucker, Alabama, and retired from Ft. Hood, Texas. While serving in the U.S. Army he received many medals and commendations, including: an Army Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters; a Good Conduct Medal; a National Defense Service Medal, with one Service Star; a Vietnam Service Medal, with one Silver Service Star; a Professional Development Ribbon, numeral 3; an Army Service Ribbon; and an Overseas Ribbon. After retirement Jerry served as a Road Captain for the American Legion Riders. He proudly was instrumental in bringing the Vietnam Memorial Wall to Charlotte. What Jerry wanted most was to have his own family. On May 18, 1970, he married Janice, the love of his life. He’d known Janice since 7th grade, when he came to public school from country school. Together they had four wonderful children, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jerry worked in several job positions, his last being at Northern Concrete Pipe Company, doing what he loved, driving a semi-truck; loading, off-loading, and delivering concrete pipe for many construction sites in Michigan. Jerry’s favorite places to be after retirement were on his John Deere tractor or sitting in his big yard, watching his family playing or getting ready for a barbecue picnic. Jerry loved his children. He spent his last months in Lucedale, with his wife, Janice, youngest son, JC, and his daughter, Alicea.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 54 ½ years, Janice (Cornelius) Vinson; his four children, Jerry Cornelius (Amanda) Vinson, DeLaura Alice (Joe) Maples, William Jerry Frank (Angela Johnson) Vinson, and Alicea Laurane Vinson; siblings, Neal, Larry, and Matthew Vinson, and David Bishop; and, stepmother, Pauline Vinson; along with 19 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and countless other who loved him dearly. Jerry was preceded in death by his mother, Lura T. (Lee) Vinson; his father, Euger Cornelius Vinson; sister Teresa Andrews; nephew, Derek Don Vinson; and grandson, Corbin Jackson Vinson.
Friends are encouraged to support Jerry’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A memorial service was held on Friday, November 15, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Charlotte, with pastor Wally Miars officiating. A visitation was just prior to the service from 10-11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at the Ft. Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, MI. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Jerry’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the family would be appreciated. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Lee Edward Coslow, Jr.
Lee “Bud” Edward Coslow, Jr., age 80, departed his earthly home on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, to reunite with his wife.
Lee was born December 22, 1943, in Lansing, MI. He graduated from Houghton Lake High School in 1962. He moved to West Branch after marrying Deborah Rose in 1977. He worked for Roscommon Manufacturer Company for 40 years until he retired. Lee was an avid bow and rifle hunter, excellent marksman, and enjoyed taxidermy. He spent his summers tending to his vegetable garden and relishing the fruits of his labor. His evenings were spent working on crossword puzzles and watching his favorite movies.
Lee and Deb were married nearly 44 years before her passing in 2021. Lee spent the last three years of his life living close to his son at Moore’s Adult Foster Care in Charlotte, MI. He was blessed to find comfort, companionship, and compassionate care among the staff and residents. He spent his last years watching game shows, playing bingo and winning candy, sharing meals with his housemates, and flirting with all the ladies.
Lee is survived by his son, Damon (Cheryl) Coslow; grandchildren, Alina, Bronte, Jeffrey, Jennifer, and Justine; siblings, Micheal Goyette, David Coslow, and Dianna (Ken) Biskner. He was preceded in death by his wife, Deborah Coslow; his stepdaughter, Jessica Rose; and his parents, Lee and Helen Coslow.
A private graveside service will be held at a later date. Those desiring may make contributions in Lee’s name to Moore’s Adult Foster Care, 1385 Gidner Rd., Charlotte, MI 48813 or Elara Caring Hospice Foundation www.elaracaringhospicefoundation.org. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com.
Sharyn K. Eaton
Sharyn K. Eaton, 78, of Duck Lake, passed away peacefully with family by her side on October 28, 2024. She is leaving a lasting legacy of love, faith and kindness. Sharyn was born June 13, 1946, the daughter of Richard and Verna Kelly, and grew up in a family rooted in Christian values, hard work, and unconditional love. In January 1963, Sharyn married her high school sweetheart, Jim Eaton, and together they built a beautiful life, raising four children and two granddaughters.
Sharyn was known for her kind smile, being humble and always showing compassion to others. Her warm laughter could brighten any room and brought joy to everyone around her. In her younger years she enjoyed baking for family gatherings and loved trying new recipes. She also enjoyed spending time water skiing, snow skiing, snowmobiling, and horseback riding. One of her early achievements was being crowned Charlotte Frontier Day’s Rodeo Queen. In her later years, Sharyn found joy reading.
She worked in the office at LL Johnson Lumber Co. and managed their Workbench store for several years before moving on to work for the State of Michigan. Faith was a central part of Sharyn’s life – she taught Sunday school at Faith Assembly of God in Olivet and sang in the choir at Mt. Hope Church in Lansing, where she has been a devoted member since 1985.
One of Sharyn’s greatest joys was sharing her life and faith with her family. Her goal was to leave a godly legacy for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, with whom she cherished every moment. Sharyn also had a love for travel, creating treasured memories on a Hawaiian cruise with her parents and sister in the 1980’s and fulfilling a lifelong dream by visiting Israel in 1994 with her mother and Mt. Hope Church members, where she walked in the footsteps of Jesus.
After Jim’s retirement, Sharyn and Jim enjoyed winters at Lake Region Village in Haines City, Florida. She volunteered on the dance committee, enjoyed playing cards, line dancing and making new friends.
Sharyn is survived by her children, Wayne Eaton Jr., Scott (Wanda) Eaton, Lisa (Jon) Villanueva, and Heidi (Jason) Crocker. She was a loving grandmother to eleven grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She is also survived by her brothers, Larry Kelly and Rick (Denise) Kelly. Sharyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Wayne James (Jim) Eaton; parents; and sister, Norma (Kelly) Smith.
Sharyn’s legacy of faith, kindness and joy will forever be cherished by her family and all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, November 22 at 12:00 noon, with visitation at 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Hope Church, 202 South Creyts Road, Lansing.
Stephen Robert Parker
Stephen Robert Parker (76) passed away peacefully November 8, 2024 while a resident of Palliative/Hospice at ECARS of Charlotte, MI. Stephen (Steve) was born October 24,1948 in Albion, MI, to Harold and Marian Parker (Talbot) of Springport, MI.
In respect to Steve’s final wishes there will be no viewing. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at the Springport VFW from 3-6 p.m. Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Springport Funeral Home, 121 Pearl Street/PO Box 235, Springport, MI 49284. 517-857-4848
Edward Harold Miller
Edward Harold Miller, 92, of Bellevue, passed away on October 24, 2024 at his daughter’s home in Lake Odessa, MI. He was born on July 1, 1932 to George Sheldon and Edna Helen (Forman) Miller in Lansing, MI. Edward graduated from Bellevue High School Class of 1950 and from Michigan State University College of Agriculture in 1957. He married Phyllis J. Wells on August 16, 1958 at the Bellevue Methodist Church in Bellevue, Michigan, Phyllis preceded him in death on June 22, 2014.
Ed was a long-time faithful member of the Bellevue Methodist Church and Methodist Men’s Club, always willing to do whatever needed to be done. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Alaska. He retired from Kellogg’s in 1995 and was a member of the Kellogg 25 Year Club. In his free time, he enjoyed being a clown and driving his home- made fire truck in local parades, going to car shows and being with family. He always had his camera wherever he went.
Ed is survived by his daughters, Christine (Ron) Cunningham of Lake Odessa, MI, Karen (Scott) Campbell of Tecumseh, MI; grandchildren, Jacqueline (Brandon) Spagnuolo, Nichole (Levi) Kleinow, Nicholas (Haley) Campbell; great-grandchildren, Grace, Jacob, Isla, Josie and step-sister, Ann Wilson.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Georgia Miller, step-mother and step-brothers.
Visitation was held Sunday, October 27, 2024, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at Kempf’s of Bellevue.
Funeral services were held on Monday, October 28, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at Bellevue Methodist Church, Bellevue, Michigan, with Pastor Ben Palmer, officiating.
Burial will take place in Riverside Cemetery in Bellevue.
Those wishing to make a memorial contribution may do so to Bellevue Methodist Church or Faith Hospice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guestbook, to share memories and pictures with the family.