SAGINAW, MI — The funeral for Wilmer Jones Ham will be held at the largest venue in the city where she once served as mayor.

Ham, 75, died Monday, Sept. 8, of “a sudden medical emergency” at MyMichigan Medical Center Saginaw, her obituary stated.

This week, her family announced plans for a funeral service at noon Friday, Sept. 20, at The Dow Event Center, a downtown venue that’ll provide a seating capacity of 2,300 people for the gathering, organizers say.

Despite the large setting, Rev. Benjamin Smith, a publicist for the family, said he recommended attendees arrive early to ensure seating at the funeral. There is no ticket reservation system.

The venue carries some significance to Ham’s legacy.

She sang the national anthem there during numerous events, including the first-ever home

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