Category: Obituaries
How to share a loss with the Michigan Conference.
Death notices will be sent on behalf of the Michigan Conference by the Communications Staff via e-blast for active and retired clergy, clergy spouses, clergy dependents and members to the annual conference when requested and with permission from a family member. Recipients are local churches and anyone who has subscribed to the death notice/prayer request database. To subscribe, go to the Subscription page.
The annual conference memorial service honors those who we have lost up to March 31st and for whom we have received notice by April 5th. Anyone received after the March 31st deadline will be recognized the following year at Annual Conference.
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Announcements include:
- Clergy, including part-time and full-time local pastors.
- Retired clergy as defined above.
- Spouses and surviving spouses of active and retired clergy.
- Dependent children of clergy [this includes stepchildren] still living in the parsonage.
- Diaconal ministers.
- Lay members of the previous annual conference.
- Laypersons of the conference support staff and ministry team, past or present.
- Missionaries related to the conference.
When death of a person in one of the above categories is known:
- The person reporting the death should provide the information to the district office where the deceased resided or attended a local church if known or provide the information to the to the conference office
- Information must include
- the name of the individual
- date of death
- relationship to the conference/clergy member
- history when available
- visitation and funeral information
- where condolences can be sent
- photographs are appreciated
- Death notices for extended relatives (parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.) will be sent out as a monthly summary by the Communications Office and may be posted immediately by any individual on the Michigan Conference Facebook group page
- We encourage these types of announcements also be sent out by district email when deemed appropriate. Please note, there is a formatted design for these announcements in the MailChimp system that can be adapted and utilized.
- Death notices for any immediate or extended family of a staff member will be sent to the All Staff e-blast list and also included in the month summary e-blast sent to the death notice database.
Have more questions?
Please contact Kristen Gillette
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Nora G. Dryer

April 14, 1939 – July 1, 2025 Nora Gertrude Dryer, wife of retired elder Rev. David L. Dryer, 86, better known as “Tudie,” passed away at her home in Battle Creek, Michigan, on July 1, 2025. Tudie, the youngest of nine children born to Aaron B. Slater and Nora P. Slater (Bartlett), was born on April… Continue Reading Nora G. Dryer
James W. Boehm

September 1, 1935 – June 15, 2025 Rev. James W. Boehm, retired elder with the Michigan Conference, died on June 15, 2025. Arrangements are in the care of Jowett Funeral Home, *Boehm, James W. – DECEASED [(RE) D 1966; D 1973; FE 1976; RE 1998] Gobles, Kendall 4/1/1967-9/1/1969; Withdrawn 1970; Readmitted 1973; Transferred from Detroit… Continue Reading James W. Boehm
Colon R. Brown

November 5, 1953 — June 14, 2025 Colon “Coley” Robert Brown, age 71, passed away on June 14, 2025 at his home in Grand Blanc, MI. A Memorial Visitation will be held 5-8 PM Friday, June 27, 2025 at Sharp Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 6063 Fenton Road, Grand Blanc. Coley attended Evangel University in… Continue Reading Colon R. Brown
Alice J. Sheffield

July 5, 1940 – June 13, 2025 Alice Jean Sheffield, 84, of Van Buren Township, passed away on June 13, 2025. A retired local pastor of the Michigan Conference, Alice served at the following churches: Melvindale (New Hope), Owendale, Gagetown, and North Lake before retiring in 2012. Beloved mother of Stacia (Clark) Hill, Scott Woolum,… Continue Reading Alice J. Sheffield
Stacey L. Highfield

December 4, 1976 – June 6, 2025 Stacey Lynn Highfield (48) passed away unexpectedly at Genesys Hospital on June 6, 2025. Stacey was the director of youth and young adult ministries at Fenton United Methodist Church. She attended Holly Area Schools, Taylor University, William Tyndale College and graduated with a B.A. degree in English Literature… Continue Reading Stacey L. Highfield
Lynn W. Wagner

November 11, 1939 – May 24, 2025 Rev. Lynn W. Wagner died on May 24, 2025. *Wagner, Lynn W. – DECEASED [(RE) D 1965; FE 1970; RE 2002] Hillsdale: First (Assoc) 1966; Niles: Wesley (Assoc) 1969; Howard City Circuit 9/15/1970; Evart Circuit 3/1/1971; Keeler, Silver Creek 10/15/1973; Mulliken, Grand Ledge: First (Assoc) 1975; Dowling: Country… Continue Reading Lynn W. Wagner
Timothy R. Hickey

April 19, 1937 – May 21, 2025 Rev. Dr. Timothy R. Hickey was born in Saginaw, MI, to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hickey on April 19, 1937, and died May 21, 2025, in Palm Coast, FL. He held degrees from Wheaton College, the Divinity School of Duke University, and the University of Michigan. He completed various post-graduate… Continue Reading Timothy R. Hickey
Diane “Dia” E. Vale

June 2, 1947 – May 16, 2025 Retired Elder Diane Elizabeth “Dia” Vale, age 77, passed away at her home near Chelsea on May 16, 2025. Dia was born on June 2, 1947 to Wilber H. Worden and Elizabeth (Boyce) Worden in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She was their first child and is survived by her… Continue Reading Diane “Dia” E. Vale
Patricia Murphy

February 17, 1946 – May 15, 2025 Wife of Rev. Arthur C. Murphy, Mrs. Patricia “Miss Pat” Murphy, age 79, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2025, in Ocala, Florida. A woman of deep faith, boundless creativity, and unwavering authenticity, she left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her. Born… Continue Reading Patricia Murphy
Judith K. Miller

November 7, 1942 – May 11, 2025 Wife of Rev. Clyde E. Miller, Judy K. Miller, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her adoring family in the early hours of Sunday, May 11. Born on Saturday, November 7, 1942 in southern Indiana, Judy spent… Continue Reading Judith K. Miller