Obituaries, May 3, 2024

Written on 05/03/2024


Janice Elaine McDonald

On April 26, 2024, the world lost a shining light as Mrs. Janice Elaine McDonald passed away. Born on January 10, 1940, to the late Ira Hizer Jr. and Mary Miller Hizer, Janice's journey in this world was defined by compassion and dedication.

A graduate of Kokomo High School, class of 1957, Janice's thirst for knowledge led her to Indiana Business College, setting the stage for a remarkable career at Delco Electronics spanning 35 years until her well-deserved retirement in 1999. Her professional achievements were matched only by her unwavering commitment to various charitable causes; notably, her active involvement in the Kokomo chapter of Susan G. Coleman Relay for Life and participation in numerous Cancer, Diabetes, and Heart Walks exemplified her generous spirit.

At the core of Janice's being was her faith, evidenced by her devout membership at Second Missionary Baptist Church. Within its walls, she served diligently in multifaceted roles such as the Trustee Board, Senior Choir (now Voices of Worship), Lydia Missionary Society, Sunday and Vacation Bible School Teacher, and the Food Pantry Ministry.

Janice's legacy is not only defined by her professional success and community service but also by the love she shared with those closest to her. She is survived by her loving children: Bruce Darnell McDonald, Ruby Y. McDonald-Douglas (Jeffery), and Marilynn J. McDonald-Brooks (Samuel). Additionally, she leaves behind sisters Charlotte V. Jeffers (Gerald) and Katherine L. Tyree, 7 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

A celebration of Janice's life will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Second Missionary Baptist Church - a fitting tribute to a woman whose life was dedicated to service and kindness. The visitation will begin at 10 a.m. until the service commences; interment to follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

In honoring Janice Elaine McDonald's memory let us remember not only the loss we feel but also the enduring impact she had on all who were fortunate enough to know her. May her spirit continue to inspire acts of kindness and generosity in all who follow in her footsteps.



Daniel Lee Brown

Daniel Lee Brown, 74, of Kokomo, passed away peacefully with his loved ones by his side on April 30, 2024. He was born on September 27, 1949, in Elwood, son of the late Allen O. & Margaret (Dane) Brown.

Dan retired from GM in Kokomo, Indiana, at 49 years old. He was a 1967 graduate of Sharpsville Prairie High School. He was also a Vietnam Veteran who served as a Pershing Missile Crewman in Ulm Germany. He was selected to be a part of the 2022 Greater Lafayette Honor Flight to Washington D.C.

Daniel enjoyed bowling, shooting pool, playing and beating anyone in a game of Euchre and croquet. He enjoyed spending time with his family and fixing anything he could get his hands on around the house. In 1989 Dan bought a lottery ticket, and as luck would have it, he was the first person to ever win the Hoosier Lottery 35 years ago.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Kathleen Brown and Patricia Bronson, and brother, Michael Brown

On May 5, 1990, Dan married his wife Judith K. (Turnpaugh) Brown of Kokomo who survives. He is also survived by children, Deanna (Brown) Rich, Camden, Allen Brown and Mary-Anne Denny, Kokomo, Sheri and Edward Fridley, Kokomo and Mike Avery, Kokomo; siblings, Nancy and Larry Dailey, Kokomo, Bonnie and Alfred Peters, Goldsmith, David Brown, Gurnee, Illinois, and Barbara Murphy of Richmond, Virginia.

He is grandpa to Dalton Denny, Alexcia (Brown) and Daniel Gibson, Thai and Laura Crume, Levi Crume, Chellsie (Brown) and Jacob Parker, Ben Fridley, Johnny Fridley, Emily Fridley, Kevin Avery and Jeffery Avery. He is also great grandpa to eight great-grandchildren. Daniel was known as Uncle Dan to 22 nieces and nephews who are lovingly referred to as the “Brown Family Hellraisers.”

Funeral services for Daniel will be held at Young-Nichols Funeral Home on Monday, May 6, at 11:00 a.m. with burial to follow at St. John’s Cemetery with military honors provided by the Tipton American Legion and the U.S. Army. Visitation will be from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 50 East 91st Street, Suite 100, Indianapolis, Indiana 46240.

Condolences may be left for Daniel’s family on his obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.



Hilda Mae “Mar” Grubb

Hilda Mae “Mar” Grubb, 85, Kokomo, passed away at 8:54 a.m. Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at her home surrounded by family. She was born October 22, 1938, in Newport, Virginia, the daughter of the late James Walker & Ruby (Smith) Williams. She married William “Bill” Grubb who survives.

Hilda was a 1956 graduate of Newport High School. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as custodian for 20 years. Hilda also served as President of the Relief Society with the church. She enjoyed bowling, golfing, quilting and crafting. She also enjoyed painting, woodworking, playing dominoes and was an excellent seamstress. Hilda loved traveling, especially to Virginia, and was always on the go. She cherished the time she spent with her children and grandchildren.

Along with her husband Bill, Hilda is also survived by her children, Anthony (Holly) Grubb and Jennifer Grubb; stepchildren, Rebecca (Chuck) Plate, William “Bill” Jr. (Jennifer) Grubb and James Grubb; grandchildren, Sydney Grubb, Madisen Grubb, Lindsey Grubb, Nicole Grubb and Ryan Grubb; 4 great-grandchildren; niece, Debra Williams; nephew, Richard Williams, along with several other nieces and nephews; special friends, Rose Pratt and Pauline Forbes.

Hilda was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, William Williams, Virginia Martin, Jean Burton, Mary Ann Huffman.

Funeral service will be held at Noon Monday, May 6, 2024, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 332 Co. Rd. 300 S. Kokomo. Burial will follow in Albright Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 2-4 p.m. Sunday at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, and one hour prior to service on Monday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Hilda’s memory to the Kokomo Humane Society. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.



Mr. Leon Andrews

Mr. Leon Andrews, aged 77, of Kokomo, peacefully passed away on April 27, 2024. He was born on November 25, 1946, to the late Willie and Juanita Andrews. Mr. Andrews embraced his faith at a young age and remained a dedicated member of the Disciples of Christ community.

During his professional career, Leon devoted 32 years of service to Chrysler Corporation before retiring in 2008. Known for his exceptional carpentry skills which he self-taught, he also found joy in the quiet moments spent fishing during his retirement.

Left to honor his legacy are his loving wife Matilda Andews, son Mathew Luster; cherished daughter Natasha Sherae and (SharMichael) Allen; dear brother Wille Andrews Jr.; a multitude of grandchildren; and numerous other relatives and friends.

A celebration of Leon's life will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at the Disciples of Christ located at 1518 Faith Rd. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the start of the service. The interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

In remembrance of a life well-lived and cherished by many, may Mr. Leon Andrews rest in eternal peace.