Traverse City, Michigan
Leland Township — Brook Byron, 92, of Leland Township and Mayfield, Ky., died Monday, May 29, 2006, at Leelanau Memorial Health Center.
Brook was born Sara Delma Bynum in Weakley County, Tenn., on July 31, 1913, the daughter of Samuel H. Bynum and Minnie Pearl Harris. Sara Bynum became Delma Byron and Brook Byron, when she was a professional actress of the stage, television, soap operas and film during the golden years of Hollywood.
As a young lady, Brook was a high-fashion model in New York City and an accomplished sculptress when she lived in Venice, Italy.
Brook shared first billing in the 1936 Shirley Temple movie, "Dimples," in which she starred as Betty Loring. Later, she also starred in the Shirley Temple movie, "The Bowery Princess." She starred in the soap opera "The Brighter Day," which aired on CBS from January 1954 to September 1962, alongside such Hollywood notables such as Hal Holbrook and Patty Duke.
In the 1958 movie, "Auntie Mame," Brook starred as Sally Cato opposite Rosalind Russell.
Brook was also an accomplished stage actress, appearing on stage with Jack Klugman and Hans Conried, among others.
Brook is survived by two nieces, Rebecca (Jim Carpenter) Reynolds of Leland and Sara (Nathan) Hart of Benton, Ky.; two great-nieces; one great-nephew; two great-great-nieces; and three great-great-nephews.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Dulcie Crawford; and a brother, Jimmy Bynum.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date in the state in which she was raised, Kentucky.
Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.
This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.
I loved Brook like a mother. It seemed she would be waiting for me
when I would come to sit with her
at the hospital and Morningside.
She was always my favorite.
Take care Becky and Sarah.Let me hear from you.
Emma Dane Willie
June 03, 2006 | Mayfield, KY
We loved having Brook as part of our family. Brook was a charming beautiful classy lady and added much to our lives. May she rest in peace. Much love, Effies
residents & staff effies
June 02, 2006 | Leland
Brook will always be part of the Effie's Place Family. We will remember her enthusiasm, grace and charm.
All staff and residents Effie's Place
June 01, 2006 | Leland, MI
My thoughts go out to the family and friends who have all loved Brook. She was an amazing woman who always looked for the beauty all around her and had a special smile for the people she cared about. we will miss you Brook.
Love Darcy
Darcy Stallman
May 31, 2006 | Cedar, MI
My thoughts and prayers are with Brooks family. I enjoyed getting to know Brook at Effies we miss her and she will often be in our thoughts.
Love Joyce
Joyce Marek
May 31, 2006 | Maple City, MI
I was on the staff at Effies while Brook was a resident there. She was such a beautiful and special person. I bought the movie "Dimples" and left it there. I played it several times in the evening and we watched it together. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with her. I know she will be greatly missed by her family.
Arlene Oscar
May 31, 2006 | Traverse City, MI
My sympathy go to the family of Brook Byron, I was one of the many care takers for Brook at Leelanau Memorail Care Center .
Nicole Allis
May 31, 2006 | Northport, MI
I didn't know Brook but what a wonderful life she seems to have had, based on her death notice. Me and mine are big fans of the old movies and Auntie Mame is one of the favorites. Goodbye to who must have been a fascinating person.
Raymond Danford
May 31, 2006 | Clinton Township, MI
Becky and Sara,
Sorry for your loss. Appreciate your care for her in her last years.
Very respectful and informative notice. Will be seeing you.
Regards, Larry
J. Larry Stinson
May 31, 2006 | Mayfield, KY
