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 1st and for whom we have received notice by March 13th. Anyone received after the March 1st deadline will be recognized the following year at Annual Conference.
Read MoreAnnouncements 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
Annie R. Callis
December 19, 2023 Spouse of Pastor Kenneth R. Callis, Annie Ruth Callis died on December 19, 2023.
William P. McBride
May 23rd, 1950 – December 17th, 2023 The Reverend William Parker McBride, 73, of Port Huron, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 17, 2023, after a brief… Continue Reading William P. McBride
Donald A. Russell
September 8, 1929 – December 5, 2023 Pastor Donald A. “Don” Russell (94) died peacefully at home on December 5, 2023, deeply attended by his family and with his beloved… Continue Reading Donald A. Russell
Douglas L. Pedersen
August 11. 1943 – December 5, 2023 Pastor Douglas Lyle Pedersen, 80, of Battle Creek, Michigan, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at home. He… Continue Reading Douglas L. Pedersen
Tamara Susan Melchert Williams
January 23, 1962 – December 3, 2023 Rev. Tamara Susan Melchert Williams, former Albion District Superintendent, died Sunday, December 3, after a years-long journey with Multiple System Atrophy. Everyone who… Continue Reading Tamara Susan Melchert Williams
George R. Bourke
August 2, 1947 to December 2, 2023 George Bourke, spouse of Rev. Donnette L. Bourke, age 76 years, passed away on December 2, 2023, in Hudson, N.Y. He was born… Continue Reading George R. Bourke
Donald R. Fry
June 28, 1943 – December 1, 2023 Pastor Donald Ralph Fry age 80, of Ithaca, left this world to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 1,… Continue Reading Donald R. Fry
Allen F. Schweizer
March 20, 1934 – November 28, 2023 Pastor Allen Francis Schweizer, 89, of Houghton Lake passed away on Wednesday, November 28, 2023 at The Brook of Houghton Lake. Allen was… Continue Reading Allen F. Schweizer
Barbara Ann Culver
June 6, 1944 – November 19, 2023 Wife of Pastor Martin H. Culver, Barbara Ann Culver, 79, of Portage, passed away Sunday, November 19, 2023 at her home, surrounded by… Continue Reading Barbara Ann Culver
Barbara Jean (Allen) Lemmons
February 4, 1933 – November 17, 2023 Wife of Pastor Troy R. Lemmons, Barbara Jean (Allen) Lemmons, a long-time resident of Hurley, passed away in her sleep early Friday morning,… Continue Reading Barbara Jean (Allen) Lemmons