Leila Fern Brown

Leila Fern Brown, 89, a life-long resident of Traverse City, passed away peacefully Friday, February 12, 2016 at Munson Hospice House with her son and daughter in law at her side. Leila was born on June 12, 1926 to the late Charles Elmer and Hazel Fern (Duryea) Tilton in Traverse City. She attended Traverse City Schools, graduating in the Class of 1945. While in high school, she was a majorette. Leila was employed as a secretary at the Traverse City State Hospital for 28 years, retiring in 1984. Her hobbies included golfing, gardening and crocheting and was very fond of pets. Leila enjoyed listening to and playing music and entertained family and friends with her accordion. Leila was very active in the original Long Lake School, serving as a school board member and was active in the PTA. For more than 50 years, Leila had been a member of the Long Lake Friends Church where she filled in on the piano and organ when needed. She was the secretary/treasurer at the church for many years and also helped with Sunday School, Vacation Bible School as well as serving in many other church activities. She currently was a member of Central United Methodist Church, but her heart was always at the Long Lake Church, where she continued to volunteer and attend church dinners. On May 27, 1995, she married Gary L. Brown in Traverse City. She loved her family very much and enjoyed the opportunities to be with them. Leila is survived by her husband Gary; children, Sharon Rice of Traverse City, Edward Loomis of Sarasota, FL, William (Stephanie) Loomis of Williamsburg, Thomas (Cindy) Loomis of Warren; her sister, Ellie Canfield of Traverse City, Gary's children, Patti (Ron) Silverman of Cedar Springs, Judy (Mark) Baase of Lake City, Sally (Geir) Friisoe of Prior Lake, MN, Denny (Renae) Brown of Maple City; grandchildren, Dr. Hillary Loomis- King, Chelsea Aguwa; Gary's grandchildren, Aug, Queen, Sam, Sarah, Tara, Trisha, Tessa, Tim, Jessica, Graham, Gary, Anna and Mandy as well as 12 great grandchildren. Leila was preceded in death by her husbands, Alvin Loomis and Gordon Blackmer; a son, Kenneth Loomis and her brother, Maynard Tilton. Visitation for Leila will take place from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19 at The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 20 at Central United Methodist Church with visitation one hour prior to the service. The Rev. Chris Lane will officiate. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery in Long Lake Township in the spring. Rather than flowers, the family asks that Leila be remembered through memorial contributions to The Long Lake Friends Church, 4172 Church Rd., Traverse City, 49685 or to Central United Methodist Church, 222 Cass St., Traverse City, 49684.

Leila Fern Brown

June 12, 1926 - February 12, 2016