Mary J. Brown

Mary J. (Stephens) Brown, 86, of Shelbyville, passed away Monday, April 3, 2023 at Franklin Meadows.

Born April 29, 1936 in Lincoln County, Kentucky, she was the daughter of Conley Bradley Stephens and Cora Alice ( Bastin) Stephens. She married William Richard "Bumpy" Brown on October 19, 1957 and he preceded her on July 1, 2001.

Survivors include son Scott Brown ( Kathy James) of Shelbyville, daughter Nancy Kennedy ( Tim) of Shelbyville, 10 grandchildren -Matthew Jones (Leanne), Corey Alford (Jessica), Courtney Rogers (Charles), Shayla May (Chris), JoAnn Kennedy (Matt Sweeney), Jamie Sargent (Carlton), Emily Kennedy, Jennifer Lusk (Tim Lish), Amber Aju (Luis), and Taylor Garwood (James); 11 great grandchildren and 11 nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her spouse, brother Lloyd Stephens and 2 sisters Marie Kriner, and Grace Lowe.

Mrs. Brown had lived in this area for most of her lifetime, graduated from Waldron High School in 1954 and was a member of First Christian Church, Red Hat Society, Business and Professional Women (BPW), and a member of Shelby Arts Council. Mary was a pioneer career woman, holding a number of various jobs during her lifetime. She ran a switchboard for General Electric, Tippecanoe Press, Secretary for the District Office of Business and Professional Women, Secretary for Compton Dairy, Secretary for the First Christian Church, Shelby Senior Services and Home Instead. She often took on a second part time job, so her family could enjoy the little extras. She was a Sales Associate at the local Paul Harris store before starting her own business, Professional Typing Service, which she ran out of her home for many years. The highlight of Mary's career was working on the Staff of Indiana 6th District Congressmen William Bray from 1968 to 1974 where she assisted the congressmen in serving the needs of his constituents, including seeing to the needs of servicemen and their families, resolving issues concerning social security and veteran's benefits, resolving issues involving passports or visas and arranging VIP tours of the White House and the FBI headquarters in Washington, DC. She attended the 1973 Presidential Inauguration as a guest of the Congressmen.

Funeral services will be 12:00 noon, Saturday, April 8, 2023 at Glenn E. George & Son Funeral Home, 437 Amos Rd, with Pastor Beth Crouch officiating. Burial will be in Bennett Cemetery. Friends may call on Saturday morning , from 10:00 am until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the First Christian Church in care of the funeral home.

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