Laura Carlyle

Laura Amanda “Lulu” Carlyle, age 54 years of Berrien Center, Michigan, sister, aunt, jeweler, Looney Tune fan, and big-time hugger died unexpectedly at 10:47 on Thursday morning, December 23, 2021 at her home with her family gathered around.  Her family is grateful for the assistance and life-saving directions provided by the emergency call center (911) while waiting for the first responders, who also did their best.

She was born on January 29, 1967 in Benton Harbor, Michigan to Wesley C. and Carolyn L (Hayes) Carlyle, and attended classes at the Blossomland Learning Center in Berrien Springs, Michigan.  She has lived in Benton Harbor and Missouri before settling in Berrien Center.

Laura attended the Calvary Bible Church in Benton Harbor.  At home, she enjoyed making bead jewelry, and was always ready to fill special requests for necklaces, bracelets, and keychains in favorite colors (although her favorite color was obviously blue).  She also participated in crafts with her nieces and nephews - usually coloring books – and she watched all of the Disney cartoons and Looney Tunes with the kids, but she really liked Tom and Jerry.  She also liked panda bears and country music, especially the singer and songwriter Dwight Yoakam.

She was well-known for her great hugs, which were freely shared with all.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and by her sister, Mary Ann Gentry who died on December 30, 2011 – almost exactly ten years ago, in the same family home.

Surviving family includes Laura’s siblings: Wesley “Richie” (& Cheryl) Carlyle of Cardwell, Missouri, Gilbert “Goober” Carlyle of Berrien Center, Carolyn “Carrie” (& James Goban) Carlyle of Benton Harbor, and Theresia “Tee” (& Michael) Ross of Berrien Center; and half-sister, Pauline Riley of Commerce, Michigan; a step-father, Henry Markham of Benton Harbor; and many nieces and nephews; and her pet dachshund dog, “PJ”.

The memorial service for Laura Carlyle will be at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street in Niles with Pastor Josh Gabrielse of Calvary Bible Church officiating.  Online condolences may be left at:

www.halbritterwickens.com

Lulu’s life was fun!  Making bead jewelry and coloring while watching cartoons, and giving hugs to kids and adults, and thinking about pandas and Dwight.  Everyone in her life was happier when Lulu was there.