Bernice James

Bunny James loved looking through family pictures, watching The Price is Right, and shopping at garage sales. Most of all, however, she loved her family and friends, and was never happier than when taking care of them. Stubborn, independent, and big-hearted, Bunny was a loving daughter, sister, mother, grandmother and friend.

On February 6, 1950, Don Braman and Myrtle Elwood became the proud parents of their fourth and final child, a girl. They named the newest member of their family Bernice, but she soon became known to everyone as “Bunny.” The Braman family lived in Laingsburg, Michigan. Don drove a truck for a living, while Myrtle worked at a factory in nearby Owosso. Bunny grew up with three older brothers: Dee, David and Ano. It’s no surprise to hear that her brothers enjoyed teasing their little sister. On the plus side, however, her brothers never let anyone else pick on her! Bunny was a very well-behaved child, but occasionally she couldn’t resist getting even with her brothers – this always put a smile on her face.

One by one her brothers grew up and left the nest, and eventually it was Bunny’s turn. She found a job as an aide at East Lansing Healthcare, a job which she held for forty years. Bunny was a perfect fit for the healthcare field – kind and caring, she enjoyed taking care of others. At home, Bunny was blessed to have four children: Laura, Kelly, Melissa and Jason. For the most part she raised her children on her own, and in spite of the challenges of being a single mom, she was a wonderful mother. She was very supportive, and always stood up for her kids. Bunny also took care of her mom, dad and brother Ano until they passed away. Bunny really valued being able to spend time with her family, and especially enjoyed the holidays when everyone gathered together.

In her free time, Bunny loved shopping, especially at garage sales and craft shows. She and her best friend, Thelma Elwood, were savvy shoppers, and loved getting a deal. Thelma and Bunny were lifelong friends. They could often be seen talking and laughing together, sometimes even laughing until they cried. Bunny also enjoyed visiting local 4H fairs, which often had creative arts and crafts projects on display.

In recent years, Bunny fought an increasingly difficult battle against cancer, which eventually forced her to retire from her job at East Lansing Healthcare. No matter how bad she might be feeling, however, Bunny still was there for her loved ones. Even if she didn’t feel like talking, she always made time to listen to people, whether they needed help or just wanted to talk to a friend.

Bunny James was a kind and caring woman, who always put others before herself. Her friendly smile, her lively sense of humor, and her big heart will deeply missed by her many friends and family members.

Bernice “Bunny” M. James died on Wednesday, January 18, 2012, at the age of 61. She is survived by her daughters, Laura (Brad) May, Kelly James, and Melissa James; her son, Jason James; her grandchildren, Skylar James, Andy May, and Jayden Luke; her brothers, Dee (Jennifer) Braman and David (Karen) Braman; and her special buddy, Thelma Elwood. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frederick Howorth and Myrtle Elwood; and her brother, Ano Elwood.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Heartland Hospice, Candy Bush, Shelby Bush, Brian Engels, Kara Bush, John Bush and Brandon Bush.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, January 21, 2012, at the Houghton Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Homes in Ovid. Pastor Tim Dickerson will officiate. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, at the funeral home. Please visit Bunny’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/77348 to learn more about her life and view her Life Story film. The family was served by the Osgood Funeral Homes. Memorial contributions may be made to the Heartland Hospice or Susan G. Komen for the Cure.