Erma Lee Brown

Erma Lee Brown May 14, 1927 Erma Brown, 89, was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, aunt, & friend. She went to be with the Lord on July 6, 2016 surrounded by those who loved her. She was born on May 14, 1927 to Byard and Ailsie Hunter in Green Ridge, Mo. She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Harold Brown and son, Alvin Brown, along with her 11 siblings. She is survived by children and spouses Carl Brown, Joan & Jack Lane, Linda & David Riley, and Tom & Laura Brown. She leaves her grandchildren: Leisa Kinney, Shawna & Duane Nightwine, Marcie Brown, Keri Lane, Kelli Lane & Jon Kilroy, Kendra & Chad Parmerlee, Curtis & Erika Riley, Tommy Brown, Trevor Brown, and Gregory Brown. She also leaves her great-grandchildren; Justin Coleman, Jared Clark, Samantha Nightwine, Sydney Nightwine, Devon Brown, Hillary Brown, Elijah Stansberry, Austin Lane, Meghan & Shawn Welch, Keziah Parmerlee, Elias Parmerlee, and Judah Riley. She has 4 great, great grandchildren, Kymora and Kylaya Brown, Titus Welch and Josiah Welch will be here in December. Pallbearers are Jack Lane, David Riley, Curtis Riley, Tom, Tommy, Trevor and Gregory Brown. Honorary Pallbearers are Carl and Devon Brown, Elijah Stansberry, Austin Lane, Justin Coleman, Jared Clark, Elias Parmerlee, Judah Riley, Titus and Josiah Welch Erma was the one of the most humble, selfless, non-materialistic people you would ever meet. Her family nickname was 5th. Having 12 children, possibly her parents started calling them by #’s…she was the 5th girl. She shared her room with her siblings and her clothes were hand me downs. She self described her temper as explosive. When asked what she would say her family trait was, she answered, stubbornness. Her favorite birthdays were after she had grandchildren. Her favorite toy as a child was a beloved red wagon and a doll named Mary. She rode a mule or walked for transportation as a child until her brother got a Model T Ford. She milked cows, fed hogs, shucked corn, and did housework as a child. She loved to play dominos, cards and 52 pick up. Erma was an avid reader. She loved to read westerns novels and to visit the local library. Every weekday at 10 am, you could find her in her favorite recliner watching the Price is Right. In the evenings, she would have her clipboard, glass of Sprite, and favorite word search or crossword puzzle. She met the love of her life at 16. He was a military man stationed in Alaska. They were serious from the start. Her parents liked him right away. Their first date was in town. She never did remember if he asked her to marry him or if they just knew. They were married at City Hall in Columbia South Carolina. Everyone was crying because we were going to war in Europe in 1945. They paid $3.00 a week for their first home and Harold supported them by working in the coal mines. Eventually, they moved to Kansas City, Kansas where she would live until 2014. She loved the color blue or purple. She loved the movie Roaster Cogburn with John Wayne. Her favorite song was Amazing Grace. She loved baseball and Nascar. She never missed the Kentucky Derby. She loved spring, but her favorite holiday was Christmas. She loved chocolate, and if you added her favorite red rose she would be happy. She liked strawberry ice cream the best, but she open to all the other flavors as well. Ask any of her family, they will tell you she fixed their favorite concoction . From her favorite car, a Olds Cutlass that she loved, or “Grandma Brown: coffee made mostly of cream and sugar, she left fond memories. She always had a open couch and an open heart for anyone she loved. When Harold was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s she never once wavered or complained when it came to taking care of him. For 13 years, without fail, she would do whatever the task was to make sure he was taken care of. She made sure he was turned, washed, and shaved. Even during the many trips to the hospital, or the long hours at the nursing home she was faithful and loving. In today’s world many people would not devote the time she would spend at the rest home. She meant her vows when she said to death to us part. And she kept those vows until the day she died. Erma spent her last day surrounded by the legacy that she now leaves behind. Following the reading of Psalms 23 she peacefully went to be with the Lord. Her family can only imagine the smile on her face as she was reunited with the ones she longed to be with again, especially Harold and Alvin. There is no doubt she was singing the Gaither favorites with the heavenly choir as she had from her recliner for so many years, She was a member of Stony Point Baptist Church, but often would visit The Porch to hear her grandson Curtis Riley preach. Donations can be made in her honor to either location. The Porch 107 South Olive St Louisburg, KS 66053 Stony Point Baptist Church 7938 Barnett Ave Kansas City, KS 66112

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Erma Lee Brown

May 14, 1927 - July 6, 2016