Sharyll was born in Battle Creek, to Charles Frederick Burkle and Beulah Berneice Burkle (Kathan) on September 25, 1942. A graduate of Ottawa Hills High School, she married Bruce Raymond Brown in Grand Rapids. She and her husband Bruce were foster parents to over 140+ children. She was actively involved in the community as an advocate for at-risk youth, underserved families, and those with special needs. She also actively supported the arts as a board member at Community Circle Theatre.
Sharyll is preceded in death by her husband Bruce. Surviving is her brother, Jack (Sue) Burkle; six children, Lynne (Matt) Brown-Tepper, Steven Brown, Shea Brown, Garth (Violet) Brown, Roxanne Abeyta-Brown, and Susan (Igor) Brown-Dimitrijevski; and nine Grandchildren, Joseph, Keiko, Diego, Anthony, Andrew, Willow, Isabella, Lillyana and Ana Maria.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date to be determined. Join us in celebrating Sharyll’s life by leaving a fond memory or comment below.
Donations can be made in her honor to AYA Youth Collective, Catholic Charities West Michigan, Fosters Forward or Community Circle Theatre.
The family of Sharyll wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Spectrum Health Rehab and Nursing Center Grand Rapids, Spectrum Health Hospice, and Spectrum/Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital.
