Lorraine Esther Wilkinson

Lorraine “Esther” Wilkinson, 96, of South Haven, passed away on September 29, 2014 at River Ridge Retirement Village.

Esther was born on June 21, 1918 in South Haven, the daughter of Roy and Etta (Garris) Lyman. She was the youngest of four children.  She graduated from South Haven High School and Davenport University.

Esther was a lifelong resident of Casco Township. She was an active member of the Casco United Methodist Church.  She sang in the choir, and wrote for and typed the church newsletter for over 20 years.  She was well-known for her excellent cooking, particularly her special baked beans.

She is preceded in death, along with her parents and all of her siblings, by her husband, Variell; one son, Gary; and one grandson, Jack.

She is survived by four children: Daniel (Michelle Poll Rademacher) Wilkinson of Kalamazoo, Thomas Wilkinson of South Haven, Penny (Steve Spack) Zabavski of Baldwin, and Richard (Renee) Wilkinson of South Haven; daughter-in-law, Sandy (Bill) Warren; ten grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and neighbors.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3, 2014 at Filbrandt Family Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014 at Casco United Methodist Church with Rev. David Meister officiating.  Esther will be laid to rest in McDowell Cemetery in Casco Township.  A luncheon will follow after graveside services at the church.  Memorials can be made to Casco United Methodist Church, 880 66th St., South Haven, MI 49090.