Marian Joy Fliearman-Russell's Obituary
Marian Joy was born August 15, 1973 to Joan Fliearman and passed into the arms of Jesus February 12, 2021 from a massive heart attack. She had a very loving nature, and she was a real champion for the less fortunate and the underdog.
Marian was a die hard liberal and a staunch democrat for all her life. Her grandkids were the love of her life along with her brother, Braque. She was our rock and our family’s caregiver. A loving daughter, mother, and grandmother. She loved her friends, customers, and co-workers at Leppinks Food Centers in Ferrysburg.
Marian also took others in need under her wing and nurtured them.
Marian is survived by her two sons, Jacob C. (Alyssa) Russell, and Neilon Wade Russell; her grandchildren: Aurora Joy, and Jake Decklin; mother, Joan Deters; brothers: Richard (Patti) Collins of Charlottesville, Virginia, Eric Alexander of Grand Rapids, Braque Deters of Ferrysburg; step-brothers: Dennis (Laura), Stephen Deters, Benjamin Deters; step-sisters, Typhanie (Kevin) Russell, Melissa (Cory) DeHaan, Christine (Chris) Lemke, and Maeghan Collins; nephew, Jaxson Collins; step-dad, Ben Collins; and several nieces and nephews.
Marian was preceded in death by her dad, Neilon Alexander; stepdad and friend, Stephen Jan Deters; grandparents, Richard and Marian Fliearman and Neilon and Donna Alexander, and Charles and Sherry Russell.
Marian is also survived by her aunts and uncles: Sandy (David) Stiles, Donald (Kathy) Alexander, Walter Alexander, Kevin Alexander, Bonnie Alexander, Carol Pfahler, Richard (Rose) Fliearman, Marian Little, Lorna Fliearman, James (Nancy) Fliearman, Valerie Fliearman, and Michael (Cathy) Fliearman; along with all of the Deters family. Special friend, David Gard, and her special co-workers at Leppinks: Travis, Little Lisa, Lyssa, Missy, Nora, Jamie, Deb, Claudia, Noah and David, and her great managers, Don and Tammy.
She will be greatly missed.
A celebration of Marian’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, February 28, 2021, at Hope Reformed Church with Pastor Tim Taylor officiating. Masks and social distancing will be required. Memorial contributions in memory of Marian may be given to the family. (C/O The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 213 E. Savidge St. Spring Lake, MI 49456). Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Marian?
What’s a lesson you learned from Marian?
Share a story where Marian's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Marian you’ll never forget.
How did Marian make you smile?