Agnes Brumfield

Published 2:25 pm Thursday, May 29, 2025

August 5, 1927 – May 26, 2025

Agnes J. Brumfield, a long-time resident of Niles, MI, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2025, at the age of 97. Born on August 5, 1927, in Niles, she was the beloved daughter of the late John C. Mitchell and Esther E. (Rhoades) Mitchell.

Agnes graduated from Buchanan High School in 1946, where she formed many friends and developed a strong work ethic that would define her career and personal life. On May 22, 1947, she married Stanley Brumfield, with whom she shared over 50 years of marriage until his passing on January 18, 1998. Together, they raised a loving family that included their daughter, Cheryl (Paul) Radtka, and sons, Stephen (Diane), Tim, Gerald, David (Debbie) and John Brumfield.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, Albert and George Mitchell. She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories with her children, her 11 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren, all of whom will miss her deeply.

Her professional life was marked by her meticulous skills as a bookkeeper, a role she performed with precision and care for 24 years at Thayer’s Jewelry in Niles. Agnes also contributed her talents to the Juvenile Shop and J.C. Penney’s, where her friendly demeanor and attention to detail were greatly appreciated by all that knew her.

Agnes’s commitment to her faith was evident through her active membership at Fairland Christian Church. She was a familiar face to many, known for her tradition of baking cookies every Sunday for over two decades, a gesture that sweetened the lives of countless church friends.

Agnes found joy in the simple pleasures of life, such as tending to her garden, where she cultivated both flowers and vegetables with equal care. Her hands were rarely still, as she was often found crocheting and embroidering, creating beautiful pieces that would become treasured family heirlooms. Agnes also had a love for word puzzles, a hobby that kept her mind sharp and provided endless hours of enjoyment.

Above all, Agnes was a woman who put others first. Her hardworking nature was matched only by her generosity and love for her family. She was a guiding light and source of strength, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and dedication that will be remembered by all who knew her.

Funeral services for Agnes will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at Palmer Funeral Home – Hoven Chapel, 414 E. Front St. Buchanan, MI. Friends may visit with the family 30 minutes prior to the services. Graveside service and burial will immediately follow at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens in Niles.

Memorial contributions may be made in Agnes’s honor to Fairland Christian Church, 1811 River Bluff Rd, Niles, MI 49120.

Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.