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Mary Colbert

July 3, 2016
Kalamazoo, MI

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On Sunday, July 3, 2016 Mary Liza (McCants) Colbert of Kalamazoo, MI fell asleep in death. Mary was being visited and comforted by family and friends at Medilodge Nursing Home-Westwood, at the time of her death. She died following a brief illness. She was 90 years old. Mary was born on June 23, 1926, in Upson County, GA. the youngest child of the late Willie and Ellena (Earvin) McCants. She spent her early childhood in Georgia where she received her education in Thomaston-Upson County Schools. Later, she and her former husband Earlie Colbert moved their growing family north, to Kalamazoo, MI, where she resided until her death. Mary has been a caregiver for most of her life, she worked as a CNA/PCA at various nursing homes, Borgess Hospital and did private home health care, along with babysitting - right up to her illness. Recently she worked as a volunteer Senior Companion at Medilodge Nursing Home. Mary wore many hats...She was known as; Miss Mary, Aunt May LIza, GiGi, GranGran, Granny, Grandma and Miss Cool, all terms of endearment for a wonderful, caring person. She loved cooking and entertaining! Often preparing a tasty meal for large numbers of family, friends and neighbors. Mary also enjoyed gardening, traveling and listening to jazz. As one of Jehovah's Witnesses (Baptized: 7/09/1971) she continued her nurturing nature, comforting and encouraging others with Bible truths...often extending an invitation to others to attend the Kingdom Hall with her, to study the Bible and draw close to God. Mary attended the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, Portage Congregation, where she had many loving spiritual brothers and sisters. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Ellena (Earvin) McCants, 2 sons; Albert (Al) and Earvin (Lewis) Colbert, 1 grandson; Ryan David Byrd - 4 sisters; Oteal, Mamie, Flossie and Susie - 4 brothers; Henry, Jack, Willie and Charlie McCants. Cherishing her memory are: 2 daughters; Vatina Underwood of Kalamazoo and Shirley (Anthony) Woodard of St. Louis, MO. 6 sons; Frederick (Fred), Donald, Kerry, Michael and Jeffery (Jeff) all of Kalamazoo, and Kenneth (Kenny) of Kincheloe, MI; along with 16 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 15 great- great grandchildren. A host of other nieces, nephews, family and special friends. The funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, July 9th at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th St., Kalamazoo, MI 49009, with Warren Miller officiating. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until time of the service. Private interment will be in Riverside Cemetery.