Sharron Lee Dawson Beckwith, 82, passed away October 17, 2024, in Landrum, South Carolina. She was born on August 17, 1942, on the family farm in Lexington, Michigan. She attended Mt. Carmel School in Kentucky, Owosso College, and later earned an associate degree from Mott Community College. Sharron worked for AC Delco for 30 years before retiring. In retirement, she found fulfillment in volunteer work, spending summers at Indian Lake’s Nazarene Campground. She cherished her time living there, offering her kindness and service wherever needed—whether in the dining hall or assisting with laundry at the hotels. She was a devoted mother to Patti Beckwith, Randy Beckwith, Steve (Renee) Beckwith, Greg (Mercedes) Beckwith, and the late Paul Beckwith Jr. (Rachel). She cherished her grandchildren, Sean Beckwith, Michelle Sexton, Jason White, Rachel Beckwith, Emma Beckwith, Mary Beckwith, Scott Sorenson, Kia Cooper, Ashton Beckwith, Kassidy Beckwith, Jesse Beckwith and Clayton Beckwith, bringing love and laughter to their lives. She is also survived by siblings Valarie Dawson, Reva Castle, Dennis Dawson, Amy Schmidt (Bob Schmidt), and Chris Dawson (Corky). She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Paul Beckwith Sr., and her parents.
Diane Bishop, 78, passed away peacefully May 31, 2025, after battling cancer for 15 years. And she wasn’t very happy about it. She lived a good life and wanted everyone to know that she had a good time. Thanks to all those who made it possible. Cremation has taken place, and there will be no memorial. Your kind thoughts and fond memories mean so much. Thank you to all of Diane’s wonderful caretakers. Contributions in her name can be made to Rose Arbor Hospice. While visiting Diane’s webpage at www.amsfuneralhomes.com, please sign the guestbook and share a memory with the family. The family is being assisted by the Avink Funeral Home & Cremation Society, Schoolcraft.
Beverley Carr Brakefield, 98, formerly of Vicksburg, passed away peacefully January 23, 2025, in Corpus Christi, Texas. She was born March 1,1926, in Kalamazoo, to Frank and Mildred Carr. She and her husband, Don, owned and operated two restaurants in Kalamazoo, Don’s Grill and The Burger Bowl, before buying a farm in Vicksburg where they raised their daughters. There, Beverley launched her own business in 1963, Bev’s Korn Krib, which she had for 14 years, and became known as “The Popcorn Lady.” She enjoyed baking and at age 54 took up the game of golf after the loss of her husband. Beverley was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Brakefield, and siblings Elmer Carr, Arlene Visscher, and Fred Carr. Beverley is survived by her daughters, Debbie (Dan) Ellwood of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Judy (Jerry) Kamis of Grand Rapids; grandchildren, Rebecca (Brett) Ellwood Bass of Dallas, Texas, Thomas (Jessica) Ellwood of Spring, Texas and Kevin Kamis, of Grand Rapids; great grandchildren Jaxon Ellwood, Knox Ellwood, Harper Bass, Dylan Ellwood and Benjamin Bass; and many nieces and nephews. Beverley will be laid to rest July 26, 2025, at the Vicksburg Cemetery alongside her beloved husband, Don. Donations may go to Grand Rapids Women’s Golf Association.
Claudia Ruth Burgess, 85, Vicksburg, passed away June 20, 2025. Born October 18, 1939 in Kalamazoo, Claudia was the daughter of Arthur and Ruth Hodgman. She married Richard Burgess, and they shared 56 wonderful years together before his passing in 2014. Claudia attended Kalamazoo Valley Community College where she pursued studies in computer sciences and retired from Speedway after 35 years of dedicated service. Yet her true legacy was the family farm she and Richard built for their family as well as her generosity and care for others. She loved sewing, reading, gardening, and the occasional trip to the casino. She is survived by her children Peggy (Jose) Gonzales, Tom (Melissa) Burgess, Bob (Debra) Burgess, and Peter Burgess; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and countless nieces and nephews. She is also remembered by her close friends and family including Lacey Beeman as well as her three dogs, Chica, Buddy, and Dakota. She was preceded in death by her husband; son Richard Burgess Jr.; daughter-in-law, Melissa Burgess; parents and siblings Lilia Hodgman, George Hodgman, Joyce Hodgman, Roy Hodgman, and John Hodgman Sr. A Celebration of Life will be held on July 12, 2025, from 1–4 p.m. at the family farm. Donations may go to YWCA Kalamazoo. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Paul Stephen Johnson passed away June 20, 2025. He was born on March 3, 1957, in Vicksburg, and spent his life living in the area. Though tragically injured in a car accident when he was 5 years old, Paul graduated from Vicksburg High School and later moved to Kalamazoo where he was cared for by Residential Opportunities, Inc., a supported-living facility. There he had companions, entertainment and opportunities for group travel. Paul enjoyed eating out, afternoon tea, watching television with his companions and traveling. Paul was preceded in death by his mother, Mary A. Johnson; his father, Stuart T. Johnson; sister, Susan C. Henson; nephews Josh and Matt Henson; and brother-in-law Louis Wolf. He is survived by his older brother, Tom Johnson, sisters Jonatha Johnson and Nancy Wolf, cousin Sarah Teeter and nephew Kevin Wolf. The family wishes to thank ROI for its many years of caring for Paul. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Carrol Lee Lenfield, 82, Otsego, went to be with the Lord on June 4, 2025. She was born December 25, 1942 in Kalamazoo to the late Cecil Clair and Helen Jeanette (Courtney) Crummel. Carrol grew up on a farm in Galesburg and shared many stories about her experiences there. She married Terry D. Lenfield on April 27, 1965. They raised their four children in Vicksburg where Carrol ran an in-home daycare for over 10 years; many neighborhood kids fondly remember their time spent in her care. She and Terry were members of Calvary Bible Church, where they participated in Awana. Carrol was also a Sunday school teacher at Maple View Baptist Church for some time. Carrol enjoyed ceramics and painting. She had a great love for shoes and was known to always have a shirt to match. Carrol was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and siblings Beverly Crummel, Cecil Crummel, and Linda Bolhuis. She is survived by her children, Kathleen (Marc) Sparrow-Dinzik of Vicksburg, Terry Lenfield Jr. of Otsego, Cecil (Kelly) Lenfield of Vicksburg, and Sarah Lenfield of Bourbonnais, Illinois; 10 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; brother, Eugene Crummel; and many nieces and nephews. Services have been held. Donations may be made to the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission. Visit her page at langelands.com.
Dorothy Irene Lilly, 94, passed away June 3, 2025. Born January 24, 1931, in Hillier, Ontario, Canada, she graduated from Lakeview High School in Battle Creek, in 1949. In August, 1952, she married Norman Lilly, and together they raised their four children. Dorothy worked in the banking industry, where she eventually rose to the position of manager. She enjoyed baking, had a sunny and sweet disposition, and was devoted to her family. She thrived in the sunshine and loved animals, especially cats. She was preceded in death by her husband, Norman; parents Francis and Mary Meacham; and brothers Donald and Conrad Meacham. Dorothy is survived by her children, Vickie Lilly of Portage, Norman (Connie) Lilly, Jr. of Battle Creek, Gary (Bridget) Lilly of Grand Ledge and David Lilly, of Portage; grandchildren Lindsay Stoyanoff, Justin Lilly, Carla Buttel, Branden Lilly, Carrie Lilly, Taylor Lilly, Korrin Lilly, and Sarah Schmucker; great grandchildren Kameron, Alexa, Paisley, Blake, Dewey, Jaden, Coral, Lily, and two more on the way; and several nieces and nephews. Dorothy has been cremated and will be buried at the North Athens Cemetery at a later date. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Debra Kay McLoud-Delaney, 68, passed away peacefully at home on May 21, 2025, surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with prion disease. Debbie was born on May 8, 1957, to Lucy and William McLoud in Plainwell. The youngest of five, she grew up with four older brothers and a close-knit circle of friends. Debbie dedicated over 30 years of service to Bronson Healthcare. After her sons graduated high school, she transferred to the Bronson Athletic Center, where she worked as a patient access specialist. Outside of work, Debbie found joy in the simple pleasures of life and was a member of St. Martin of Tours Parish in Vicksburg, where she contributed her time and compassion to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, helping those in need in her community. Debbie is survived by her husband, Tim Delaney; sons Andrew Enos and Zach (Yuko) Enos; granddaughter Delaney Enos; brothers Ralph Decker, Danny Decker, and Bill McLoud; and many nieces, nephews, and in-laws. She was preceded in death by her brother, Harry McLoud and her parents. Donations may go to CJD Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting families affected by prion diseases and advancing research toward a cure. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
