Lila D. Brayton

Lila D. Brayton (nee Reams)
On April 4, 1941, Flora and Orville Reams welcomed their first daughter, Lila, into their growing family. They already had 3 sons, James (Jim), Jerry and Russell. One and a half years later, the family was complete with their baby sister, Geneva (Jeannie). Lila was born in Caraway, Arkansas, but her family moved to Howell when she was only about a year old.
In 1959, Lila graduated from Howell High School where she had many friends, was a cheerleader and also had a part-time job at Pettibone's, a local store. For a time, she attended Michigan State University. One day, when walking home from town, a handsome young Howell man followed her home and asked her on a date. Lila married Charles Robert Brayton on October 13, 1962 at the First Baptist Church in Howell. They were married for more than 41 years when Charlie passed away in 2004.
Lila and Charlie had two children: Rise Kimberly (Steven Schneider) and Christopher Kenneth, who passed away on October 31, 2021. Rise and Chris shared the same birthday and were both born on their paternal Grandma, Esther Brayton's birthday. That is one special way to ensure your Mother-in-law loves you! This also provided for many years of large, fun family birthday parties that Lila planned and hosted.
Lila worked part time in the offices of Drs Itsell and Omel and also Drs Vasiu and Falkenberg. Later on, after the kids were grown, Lila worked at the General Motors Proving Grounds as a Test Driver Badass.
Lila served as a Brownie leader and was always helping with her kid's school and other activities. She enjoyed crafts, sewing, candle-making and learning something new to try. Her grandchildren Kaylyn, Charles (C.J.), and Corynn Schneider and Chet and Prince Brayton will remember the many creative, themed cakes she made for them in celebration of their birthdays.
Lila's family and friends were the most important part of her life; she loved spending time with them. Lila always enjoyed a trip to the casino with friends whether it be a local one or a trip to Las Vegas. She and Charlie enjoyed traveling and visited many places in their RV, meeting up with friends and family whenever they could. They also loved to travel to Mexico and bring home items to decorate their home and share with others. Lila really enjoyed reading. She made frequent trips to the local library with her children and throughout her life. Lila especially loved recipe books and to try many of the delicious recipes she found. Lila was a member of HHS Class of '59 and attended many HS reunions and enjoyed those lifelong friendships so much. She loved to watch birds and other animals and learn about them. Lila loved gardening, especially flowers; star-gazer lilies, peonies, hydrangeas, orchids and anything pink were her favorites. She was a world-class shopper and loved shopping at antiques shops, craft shows, flea markets, the mall and even QVC or online! Shoes, jewelry and clothes were some of her favorite things look at and buy. As a shopping expert, Lila selected the most wonderful gifts for loved ones and enjoyed making each package look beautiful.
Lila passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 1, 2025 at Ide Assisted Living. The love and care provided by Tabitha, Amanda, Heidi, Donna, Tammy and all the staff there will long be remembered and have a special place in our hearts. Lila's parents, brothers, husband and son and so many other loved ones have surely greeted her happily in heaven. She leaves her daughter, Rise, son-in-law, Steve, grandchildren, Kaylyn, Charles (C.J.), and Corynn Schneider, and Chet and Prince (Lila) Brayton, sister Geneva, sisters-in-law, Barbara Reams, Rita Bain, many nieces and nephews and many friends to remember and celebrate her love and life.
The family would like to honor Lila with a memorial in her honor at the Howell Carnegie Library. Please follow this link: https://howelllibrary.org/policies/gifts-donations/donate/donation-form/ to the library site and complete the information including the "Donation For?" as "In Memory of" and "Name on Plaque" as "Lila Brayton." You may also donate by contacting Rise (risekbs@gmail.com) for information if you prefer not to use the link provided here.
A memorial service will be held at Watkins Brothers Funeral Home MacDonald Chapel at 315 Michigan Avenue in Howell, Michigan on Friday, June 6, 2025 with visitation at 12:30 pm and Celebration of Life service at 1:30 pm. The service will be recorded for those who are unavailable (email: risekbs@gmail.com). A luncheon will follow the service at Block Brewing at 1140 South Michigan Avenue in Howell. As part of the memorial service, the family requests that anyone who would like to share stories and memories of Lila do so. If you would like someone else to share your memories for you, please email them to risekbs@gmail.com. If you are not comfortable sharing memories during the service, we would love for you to jot down your thoughts, memories, and stories to share with the family as you are able.