Mary Ellen McFarland

She was born to parents Elray Gilliam and Sybil Irene Gilliam, on 07-19-1941 in Lake City, Arkansas, moving to California, then to Michigan. She attended Fennville High School later gaining her G.E.D. She went on to study Business at Davenport University and graduated with an Associates Degree. Mary worked as a Union Secretary/Winding Room for 29 years for General Electric. She also worked at Sam's Club for a few years and retired from Holland Hospital where she was a home healthcare nurse. She was 78 when she retired. Mary enjoyed helping people, reading romance novels, doing needle point and bowling.

She was preceded in death by: her father Elray Gilliam, her mother Sybile Irene Gilliam, her brother Elvis Gilliam and her sister Reba Eaton.

Mary is survived by: her children, Mr. James Bryant of Holland, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel and Judy Bryant of Holland; stepchildren, Mr. and Mrs. Mike and Sharron Vandenberg of Hamilton, and Rodger McFarland of Holland; One brother and four sisters, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family has entrusted Lakeshore Memorial Services with the arrangements. A graveside service is scheduled for December 16, 2021 at 12:00 noon at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Randy Taylor will officiate the ceremony. Due to Covid-19, indoor services are postponed until a celebration of life can be schedule. If love could keep her alive, she would live forever.