Mrs. Leona M. Brown

Obituary Leona Marie Smith Brown, the family Matriarch, went home to be with the Lord on May 15, 2021. She was born January 5, 1922, in Vian, Oklahoma to Ada Frazier Smith and George W. Smith. She was the second of four siblings. Her parents, Elizabeth Gordon and brother, George Smith preceded her in death. Another brother, Anderson J. Smith, who is 98 years old lives in Kansas City, Missouri. Her elementary and secondary education was in Vian. There she attended Douglas Elementary and Vian high school where she met the love of her life. Leona married Edward Richard Brown in 1940. From this union their first child, Luther Brown was born in 1941. Two years later, the small family moved to Kansas City, Kansas. The family grew when another son, George Edward Brown was born in 1943. During that time Leona stayed with her sister, Elizabeth, while Edward served in the United States Army. Leona and Edward remained married for 58 years until his death in 1990. Mrs. Brown was the personification of unconditional love. She was a sterling example of how to live an honorable life. She was a virtuous God loving woman. She was patient, kind and totally unselfish. She never uttered a negative word nor exhibited an unpleasant attitude toward anyone. She spent a lifetime helping others. Every task she approached she gave 100% of herself and she could be depended upon to complete it. She never sought the limelight for herself, yet she always took delight in the accomplishment of others. When confined to the house, because of illness, she found pleasure in watching game shows and news broadcasts on television. Her walk with God and commitment to Christ began very early in her life. For over 75 years, since 1946, she was a dedicated member of Friendship Baptist Church in Kansas City where, she attended church regularly for it was the highlight of her week. She served on the Issachar Sheepfold ministry, was a member of the First Aiders and worked diligently in the Nurses Ministry. Favorite among her activities was attending church for all types of worship or celebration. Regardless of her personal circumstances she never failed to pay her tithes. She prayed for her brothers and sisters in Christ. To those seeking to know Him, she shared her personal knowledge of the goodness and grace of God. Weekly she sought out church attendees to inquire about their health and circumstances. She was forgiving of any slight. During the week she called the sick and shut in to determine if she could provide assistance in any way. Often, taking the bus to visit those confined to a hospital or nursing facility, she would spend entire days sitting and talking to lessen the loneliness felt by a church member. She would use her nursing skills to help members care for their families. She went to funerals and interacted with the grieving family to show support and caring. Taking loving care of family, friends and others was her passion. She made her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews the center of her life. Mrs. Brown welcomed and raised many of them under her roof for a significant number of years. Those same young people influenced by the care and guidance of Mrs. Brown, went on to complete advanced degrees. She raised her granddaughter from the time she was two months old until adolescence. To the amazement of family members, she telephoned her one sister and two brothers across the country every day, without fail, while God graced them to be alive; often calling more than once a day. Her husband was hospitalized for more than a year until his death. Throughout his infirmity Mrs. Brown remained at his bedside. She made two or three trips a month to Oklahoma to take care of her severely incapacitated sister until her sister’s death. She never let time or distance be a barrier preventing her from sharing love with grandchildren and great grandchildren who live in other states. She loved and treated her daughters-in-law like they were her own flesh and blood. Even in her advanced years she eagerly traveled to visit relatives and attend family reunions. She committed every detail about every known relative to memory, even at the age of 90. Mrs. Brown served as Coordinator of her neighborhood association. She also held the position of recording secretary for the neighborhood organization. She played a key role when organizing neighbor cleanup events. Importantly, she encouraged members of the neighborhood to register and to vote. Both Queen of the World and St. Joseph Hospitals were fortunate that for a combined and uninterrupted thirty years Leona worked as a Nurse’s aide to serve their ailing patients. At work she was eager to meet people, and many remained lifelong friends. She enjoyed spending time with neighbors and friends. She cared about her neighbors and the broader community. She would move heaven and earth to help a person in need. She recognized how important a friendly gesture can mean so much to someone who needs it. She always had time to help. Maintaining a house alone in her advanced years was too much and she moved to live with her son, Luther, and his wife Sharon. She resided with them in their loving home until her declining health forced her to be in a skilled nursing environment. She remained a resident at Carondelet Nursing Facility for five years. Ultimately, she was in the care of St. Joseph Hospital for less than a week prior to her transition to Glory. Leona will be an eternal angel, from heaven, yet always close, to watch over her sons: Luther Brown (Sharon), George E. Brown (Josephine) ; grandchildren - Dana Brown Pryor (Craig), Rudolph R. Benson (Keesha) DeSoto, TX, Angela Brown Keys (Darryll) St. Charles, MO, Billie Moliere (Rudy) Brooklyn, New York, Robin Stamenov of Manhattan, New York, Gayla Brown Curtis (Wilson), great grandchildren – Kayla Joy Keys, Angel Ann Marie Benson, Kristen Joann Keys, Christian Miles Benson, K’lyn Davis Hernandez Curtis, Elijah Santana Curtis, Layla Brielle Curtis, Bailee Laura Moliere; great-great grandchildren – Cayli Springer, Kaiser Springer; and many beloved nieces and nephews. The heart broken family and friends will honor and hold precious her memory. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 1, 2021, 11:00am at Friendship Baptist Church. Interment Longview Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10am-11am at the church. Service conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website. Due to COVID-19, social distancing and face coverings are required indoors. Temperature check for all guest(s). Live streaming link www.fbckcmo.org To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mrs. Leona M. Brown, please visit our floral store. Read More

Mrs. Leona M. Brown

January 5, 1922 - May 15, 2021