Mary E. Brown

Watervliet, MI – Mary E. Brown, 56, of Watervliet, MI, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, November 22, 2009, surrounded by family, after a courageous battle with breast cancer. A celebration of her life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 28, 2009, at Midway Baptist Church, 7517 Red Arrow Hwy., Watervliet, MI. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens. The visitation will be held on Friday, November 27, 2009, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Starks & Menchinger Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI. Mary was born on April 19, 1953 to Jesse and Maye (Pruett) Dye in Brawley, CA. Mary attended Benton Harbor Public Schools and earned her diploma from Coloma High School. Following high school, she attended Twin City Beauty College where she earned her degree in Cosmetology. Over the years, Mary enjoyed working at many places. Her most recent and favorite being Contours Express (Coloma). Mary was most content with the simple things that God has blessed us with. She loved long walks, bird watching, as well as the coloring of the leaves changing in the fall. Mary attended Midway Baptist Church for many years, where she loved to sing in the choir. In her spare time, Mary was an avid shopper. Mary took fulfillment in watching her children throughout their lives. Mary will be most remembered for her loving and compassionate heart. Everyone who was blessed by Mary enjoyed much laughter, honest advice and warm hugs. Mary will be dearly missed by her lifetime love and companion, Mark Steiner of Watervliet and her two daughters, Brandy Brown of Grand Rapids and Kori Steiner of Watervliet; five siblings, Gary D. French, Jesse A. Dye, Jr., James R. Dye; Shirley M. Pipkins, Judy (Tom) Jones; several nieces and nephews, and many friends. Mary was preceded in death by her father, Jesse, her mother, Maye and her brother, Billy French. Her family and friends will forever remember and miss her dearly. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Memorial contributions may be directed to University of Michigan Cancer Center (Breast Cancer Research), 1500 E. Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, Attention: Lita Smith.