Mary L. Brown

Obituary The anchor of our family, Mary L. Brown departed this life on Thursday, February 8, 2018. She transitioned into her heavenly home just as smooth as she maneuvered her earthly home. Her no nonsense attitude and poise endeared her to those that knew her best. Mary was born on April 4, 1919, in Kansas City, Missouri to Alexander Lewis and Lucy Lewis. Mary was named after her paternal grandmother. Mary was the last living sibling to join her sisters, Wyomie Royetta and Ezephyr Mabel, and brothers, James Allen and Charles Alexander in their heavenly home. Mary accepted the Lord and Savior at an early age while attending Paseo Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend D.A. Holmes. She was an active member of the Junior and Intermediate Department of the church. She attended Wendell Phillips Elementary and received her Certificate of Completion on January 20, 1933 and was accepted into Lincoln High School. Mary was an exceptional student that graduated high school within only three years. On June 5, 1936, Mary and her eldest sister, Ezephyr Lewis graduated from Lincoln High School together. Throughout her life she believed in supporting educational organizations and goals. Mary met the love of her life Norman Brown on a blind date and the two became engaged on May 9, 1940. The two were united in marriage on September 1, 1940 at a family friend’s home at 1330 Brooklyn Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri by Reverend William Cook. Through this union two sons were born, Norman Brown, Jr. and James Brown. After marriage Norman and Mary converted to Catholicism and raised their family in the Catholic faith. Mary worked for many years at Mendels as a Pattern Runner and retired from the company after experiencing a house fire in 1981. She soon would start the next phase of her second career as a Babysitter. She was affectionately known as “Grandma Brown” to her babies. She provided her love and guidance to numerous children over the years. Mary was also a devoted grandmother that assumed full time care of her granddaughter, Kristi Odums. She nurtured and supported her throughout her life as a mother. Mary was heavily involved at St. Martin de Porres School on the Advisory Board for a number of years and volunteered at numerous school related events. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, and attending theatrical plays. She was involved in St. Louis Parish for many years in the Food Pantry. In her later years she joined St. Monica Catholic Church where she attended faithfully until her health started to fail. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, loving husband of sixty-seven years, son and siblings. Mary L. Brown is survived by her son, James Brown (Josie) of Raytown, Missouri; her granddaughter, Kristi Odums, PR (Wilbert) of the home; great-grandchildren: Khalil Odums, J’Ron Collins, Kaleb Odums, and Kiara Odums of the home; nieces, Terri Michelle Lewis and Antonia Lewis Jackson both of Kansas City, Missouri; nephews, Lloyd Payne and Roger Payne both of St. Louis, Missouri; a very special friend/daughter, Jean Haskin, PR and granddaughter Jessica Haskin; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Funeral Service for Mary L. Brown was held Saturday, February 17, 10:00 a.m. at St. Monica Catholic Church, 1616 Paseo Blvd. Interment, Forest Hill Cemetery. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary L. Brown, please visit our floral store. Read More

Mary L. Brown

April 4, 1919 - February 8, 2018