Obituaries
Johnny Ray Wicker
Johnny (John) Ray Wicker, 93 of Charlotte, went Home to Jesus Christ on January 24, 2024. John was born August 25, 1930, in Stantonville, TN. He spent his childhood there and in Gobler, MO, where he helped the family clear land with a mule, pick cotton, and worked with his local church, giving his life to Jesus at that time.
He met Joyce Young on a trip to Michigan. He was drafted, and they were married in 1951 as he went to England for the Korean War. Upon his return, they settled in the Lansing area and started their family while John was a welder at Fisher Body. He bought a garden tractor, and had so many requests for black dirt, sand, gravel and bulldozing that he quit Fisher Body and started a sand, gravel and excavating business, Wicker Inc., with Joyce handling the office. Upon retirement, they moved to Charlotte, where he developed a herd of Angus cattle, providing club calves for the local fairs. It was during this time that he rededicated his life to Christ.
John and Joyce enjoyed family, traveling, cattle shows and rodeos. They loved hosting gatherings at their farm with family, friends and church. His message to us all is, “I love my family. I had a beautiful wife, I worked hard to support my family and did the best I could. I am blessed by the Lord Jesus.”
John is survived by his children, Bethany (Robert) Delaney of Charlotte, Larry (Terri) Wicker of Eaton Rapids, John (Maureen) Wicker of Okemos, and Douglas (Mary) Wicker of Lansing; grandchildren, John (Jenna) Delaney, Christine (Adam) Graff , Josiah Delaney, Hannah Wicker, Rebekah (Nathan) Eagle, Michael Wicker, Samuel (Katelynn) Wicker, and Rachael (Josh) Ryan; great-grandchildren, Leon, Alice, Willa, JohnDavid and Forrest; step-grandchildren, Uriah (Marie) Clise, Isaiah (Shelley) Clise, Zech Clise, Amanda Miller, and Paula (Erick Buckner) Miller; and great-step-grandchildren, Collin, Liam, Ian and Brielle; siblings, Betty Christian, Lloyd (Sammie) Wicker, Shirley (Frank) Wright; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Joyce; his parents, Ira and Jewel; and brothers, Floyd, Dee and Jack (JW).
Visitation was Sunday, January 28, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte and Monday, January 29, at Oneida Gospel Church. Funeral services were Monday, January 29, 11:00 a.m. at Oneida Gospel Church, 3048 Strange Highway, Grand Ledge, with a luncheon following. Interment will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Oneida Gospel Church. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of John on his Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Saundra Kay Haas
It is with both sadness and peace in our hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother Saundra Kay (Wells) Haas.
Sandy departed on her terms, as those who knew well would expect on January 19, 2024 at the age of 84 at The Eaton Community Palliative Care in Charlotte, MI.
Saundra was born in Charlotte, MI, September 15, 1939, the daughter of the late Geraldine “Gerry” and Fredrick “Louie” Wells. She was raised in the Vermontville area and attended local school graduating from Vermontville High School in 1957. After completing her education Sandy pursued a career as a Bank Teller with Michigan National Bank until 1961.
On April 10, 1960, Saundra was married to Mr. Arthur William Haas and the couple made their home together in the Vermontville area where they raised their family together. Art and Sandy enjoyed raising horses and supporting their girls in showing them.
Sandy was an avid Michigan State fan and loved her basketball. She was an active member of her community and was a member of the Vermontville General Federation of Women, #39’s Clubs, and was a past Treasurer of the Vermontville Cemetery.
Sandy is survived by her children, Kellie (Bruce) Hanford, Karen (Tony) Newton, Kimberly (John) Gray, grandchildren William (Jess) Newton, Peter Newton, Robert Hanford, Andrew Hanford, great granddaughter Vivienne Rose Newton, and her beloved furry babies Sophie and Dottie. She was preceded in death by her husband Arthur Haas.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Eaton Community Palliative Care, Vermontville Historical Museum or the charity of the donor’s choice.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time.
The family will receive visitors, and a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. at Daniels Funeral Home Nashville. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home – Nashville conveniently located at 9200 E. M79 Highway, Nashville, MI. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels.
Debora Christine Olson
Debora Christine “Chris” Olson, age 59, of Ypsilanti, formerly of Charlotte, passed away peacefully into the loving arms of her Savior on Saturday, January 27, 2024. She was born January 23, 1965, in Lansing, the daughter of Earl and Linda Kathleen (Cary) Hackett. Chris graduated from Northridge High School in Middlebury, Indiana, with the Class of 1983. She went on to attend Ball State University where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in Nursing. On October 22, 1994, she married Timothy Olson. Chris developed a love of music when she was in the second grade. This passion followed her throughout her entire life. She played in numerous ensembles and churches over the years. She worked as a registered nurse for 10 years prior to getting married. After her and Tim’s marriage she took on the role of pastor’s wife and mother. These new roles brought her the most joy and fulfillment in life. Chris loved her Lord and Savior and was devoted to serving Him in all that she did.
Chris is survived by her children, Rebekah (Adam) Boston of Ypsilanti, Rachel Olson of Ypsilanti, James (Chloe) Olson of Venice, Florida; parents, Earl and Linda Hackett; siblings, Bryan Hackett, Jim Hackett; mother-in-law, Valerie Olson; sisters-in-law, Laura (Jerry) Houdek, Theresa (John) Schmidt, Sally Glazer; brothers-in-law, Tom (Maria) Olson, Mark Olson, Andy (Peggy) Olson, Dan (Katie) Olson, Pete (Pam) Olson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Tim Olson and sister-in-law, Patricia Olson.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at 11 a.m. at First Lutheran Church with Pastor Sean Esterline officiating. A visitation was held on Wednesday from at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Chris’s memory to First Lutheran Church 550 E. Shepherd St., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Chris’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Fred Lavern Lawless
Fred Lavern Lawless of Englewood, FL and Eaton Rapids, died peacefully with his family by his side, January 26, 2024, at the age of 96. Fred was born at his parents’ family farm in Portland, MI, November 7, 1927, the son of Frances and Catherine (Selbach) Lawless. He graduated from Portland High School in 1944 at the age of 16. Fred went on to work for a wartime aircraft spark plug factory and at the family farm. He was drafted into the US Army in 1946 serving in Germany. Fred was honorably discharged in 1947 and enrolled in college at Central Michigan University. It was there that he met his future wife, Pat, while hitchhiking back to their hometown for a weekend. It was the beginning of a beautiful 72 year relationship. In March of 1950, he accepted a job as a caseworker with the Michigan Department of Social Welfare. He graduated from U of M with a master’s degree and was on their School of Social Work Alumni Board. Fred retired from the State of Michigan in 1992 with 42 years of experience. After retirement, he volunteered with AARP for 12 years and wintered in Venice, FL with his wife, Pat. He was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church in Eaton Rapids, and Epiphany Cathedral in Florida.
Fred is survived by his children, David (JoAnne) Lawless, Jim (Sarah) Lawless, Susan (Charles) Simmons; grandchildren, Matthew (Tasha) and Michael Lawless, Myra (Steve) Sperley, Rachel (Matt) Merrill, Kellen (Carolyn) Lawless; and 11 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Pat Lawless.
A Funeral Mass will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Elara Caring Hospice Foundation, PO Box 58, Jackson, MI 49204. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Stanley James Bryson
Stanley James Bryson, of Bellevue, MI, unexpectedly passed away on Monday, January 29, 2024, at the age of 89. Born on June 28, 1934, in Mason, MI, he was the son of James and Alice (Thomas) Bryson. Growing up in the Mid-Michigan area, Stan graduated from Grand Ledge High School in 1954.
Having been drafted into the United States Army, Stan proudly served in Berlin during the WWII era. In 1960, he married the love of his life, Shirley Smith, and they welcomed three beautiful children into their lives. Stan dedicated much of his working years to General Motors Fisher Body plant, retiring in 1990. In his retirement, he found joy in farming and had plans to continue this passion in the upcoming spring. Additionally, he, alongside his wife, ran an antique business for over 40 years.
A devoted collector of John Deere memorabilia and tractors, Stan was also an enthusiastic fan of MSU athletics. He held the honor of being a 32nd Degree Mason and was a member of the Brookfield Lodge 439 as well as the Eastern Star Lodge 352.
Stan is survived by his loving wife, Shirley Bryson, and their children: Sue (Jeff) Houghton, Dianna (Steve) Hyatt, Ronda Horton, and Larry Bryson. He is also remembered by his grandchildren: Ben (Melissa) Hyatt, Jeff (Katie) Whitaker, Shiria (Rachael) Kane, Stacey (Gary) Meyers, Rebecca (Frank) Psurny, Erica (Dell) Porter, Amber Bryson, and Taylor Bryson, along with ten great-grandchildren. Stan is further survived by his brothers, Tom Bryson, and Tim (Diane) Bryson, and sisters, Susan Dunn, and Mandy Roberson, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
Preceding him in death were his parents; sister, Patricia Christman; brothers-in-law, James Dunn and Stan Robeson; and sister-in-law, Mary Bryson.
A memorial service is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids chapel. The family will receive friends starting at 10:00 a.m. For those wishing to make memorial contributions, donations may be directed to the Brookfield Eastern Star, 2310 Swift Road, Bellevue, MI 49021. Memories and condolences can be shared online at www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.