Mary Louise Brown

CARBONDALE - Mary Louise Brown, 98, died Thursday, August 17, 2017, at her home in Carbondale, surrounded by loving family.



She was born October 30, 1918, in Kirksville, MO, to George E. and Nannie Moore Leslie. She grew up in Memphis, MO, where she attended public schools and was valedictorian of her high school class. Following graduation with a Bachelors Degree from Kirksville State College, she taught in high schools in Kirksville and Monticello, MO. She was married in 1940 to Clyde Moseley Brown. In 1951 they moved to Carbondale where they raised their family. After his death in 1965, she worked in Academic Advisement at Southern Illinois University until her retirement in 1988.  



Mary Lou was a devoted mother, survived by her children Nancy Cook (Greg) of Makanda, Susie Ellison (Lee) of Portland, OR, Bill Brown of New Braunfels, TX, Rosemary Hopson (Jack) of St. Louis, MO, Laura Ventetuolo of Cranston, RI, and Charles Brown (Jeanne) of Beltsville, MD. She was grandmother of 11 and great-grandmother of 23 children. She is also survived by her sister Nancy Harris of Memphis, MO and many nieces and nephews. She will be missed by many longtime friends and neighbors and by her dedicated caregivers, Diana, Eva, Rachel and Pat. 



Mary Lou was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Carbondale for 66 years, and of Chapter GX, PEO Sisterhood. She volunteered in her children's schools and scouts. Among her many interests were traveling with family, playing bridge, gardening and reading. She was an enthusiastic supporter of Saluki Basketball, attending all home games for many years. 



Services for Mary Lou will be held 11:30 AM on Wednesday, August 23, at First United Methodist Church, 214 West Main Street, Carbondale with Rev. Alan Rhein officiating. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery. A time of visitation will be from 10:00 - 11:30 AM at the church. 



In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory to First United Methodist Church, Hospice of Southern Illinois or a charity of the donor's choice will be appreciated. Envelopes will be available at the church. 



Meredith Funeral Home, Carbondale is assisting the family with arrangements. 



To share a story or memory of Mary Lou please visit, www.meredithfh.com.