Ora Ann Brown

Ora “Ann” Brown, age 88, passed away peacefully at the Parkview Healthcare Facility, on Sunday, January 7th, 2018, with her grand-daughter, Kelly, holding her hand. She was the daughter of Isaac Simeon (Sim) Reynolds and Blanche (Hopkins) Reynolds. She was born September 2nd, 1929 at her family’s home in Fair Play, Missouri. She was the youngest of six children. Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Don and her daughter, Nancy, three brothers; Jerry Reynolds, Charles Reynolds and Oliver Reynolds, and two sisters; Emojean Hembree and Elizabeth Hammons. She is survived by her son, Steven Brown, his wife Paula, and grandchildren: Derek Brown and wife Kyla; Jessica (Brown) Nigro, Husband Tommy and great- grandchildren, Gabriel and Gracelyn; Zachary Brown, wife Kassi and great-grand child, Blakely; and Matthew Brown and great-grand child, Moxie Ann. Also, granddaughter Kelly Ann (Simmons) Mauck, husband Justin, and great-grandchildren, Drew, Aidan and Asher; and grandson Tyler Simmons and great-grandchildren, Carter and Preston. Also, her friend and caretaker Linda Simmons. Ann was married to Donald Bush Brown, December 24, 1949. Don was a Sergeant in the US Army and after the wedding, Ann moved with Don to Seoul, South Korea, where he worked as a Communication Security Officer at the US Embassy. On June 25, 1950, as the North Korean army started their invasion of South Korea, Ann was told to leave her possessions behind, head to the harbor and get on a cargo ship. The cargo ship took her to Japan. Don flew out on the last plane leaving South Korea. They met briefly in Japan and then Ann moved back to Bolivar, Missouri. Don was assigned to go back to Korea. They moved several times throughout his career and lived in Germany, England, New Mexico, California, Alabama, and Missouri. In 1968 and 1971 Don was stationed in Saigon, Vietnam. During these tense times, the family lived in Bolivar. When Don retired in 1974, after 30 years of service in the US Army, they were able to be together as a family in Bolivar, where they remained. They bought an insurance agency off the Bolivar square, Brown’s Insurance Agency. Ann worked there as an agent and after they sold the business, she continued to work part time for many years. Ann told the story of being saved as a young girl in a Baptist revival service, in Fair Play, Missouri, which she attended with her girlfriend. As an adult, she was a member of the Bolivar United Methodist Church. She enjoyed playing bridge in local bridge groups and often hosted at her home. This hobby led to many lifetime friendships. Don and Ann took up playing golf and she was a member of the Bolivar Ladies Golf Club. Most of all, Ann enjoyed her family. She would often say, “I am so blessed with my beautiful family”. Her eyes would light up when her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren would enter the room. She was classy, beautifully honest, optimistic, and loved unconditionally. We, her family, are so blessed to have had her in our lives. Visitation for Ora, will be Thursday, January 11, 2018 from 5-7 p.m., at the Butler Funeral Home, in Bolivar. Services for Ora, will be Friday, January 12, 2018 at 10:00 a.m., at the Butler Funeral Home, in Bolivar, with Elder J.D. Baker officiating. Burial will follow the services and take place at Greenwood Cemetery in Bolivar, with Justin Mauck, Matthew Brown, Tyler Simmons, Derek Brown, Zachary Brown and Drew Mauck serving as casket bearers, and Tommy Nigro, Aidan Mauck, and Asher Mauck as honorary bearers.

Ora Ann Brown

September 2, 1929 - January 7, 2018