Mary Jane Smith Brown was born May 31, 1936 in Daviess County, Indiana to Elias Smith and Dorothy Mae Watkins Smith and departed this life October 22, 2020 reaching the age of 84 years, four months and 22 days.   She was united to Russell Noil Brown on December 20, 1952 and to this union four children were born: Phyliss Ann Brown, Leo Andy (Kathy) Brown, Earl Russell (Pamela) Brown and Judy Mae Brown Southwood (Douglas). Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband of 67 years, Russell, her daughters, Phyliss Ann (who died in infancy) and Judy Mae, her son-in-law, Douglas Southwood, one brother, James (Jimmy) Gordon Smith and her great grandsons Elijah Russell Johnson and Ryder McKay Stinson.

Mary Jane is survived by her sons Leo Andy (Kathy) Brown and Earl Russell (Pamela) Brown. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Leah (Matthew) Wiley, Kerri Brown, Moriah (Jacob) Stinson, Marcus Brown, Private First Class Malachi Brown, Richard (Victoria) Southwood, Shannon (Steve) Johnson, Kelly (Michael 'Tommy') Nichols. Also surviving are her great grandchildren: Andrew 'A.J.' and Liam Wiley, Everly Jane Stinson, Conner Southwood, Judy Gail, Lily Mae and JoAnn Dawn Johnson, Baby Boy Johnson (due February 2021) and Aaron Nichols. Surviving siblings include, Mary Marzke, Linda Santos, David (Rita) Smith, Wanda Rodgers, Melvin (Linda) Smith, Betty (Bob) Frisz, Donna Thorne and Sarah Avra as well as a host of nieces and nephews and other family and friends to mourn her passing

Mary Jane was creative and industrious person and a wonderful cook. She treasured having her family come to special meals at her house and would always try to make each grandchild's favorite desserts. Mary Jane enjoyed trying new recipes and even inventing some of her own. She liked talking about recipes that she had tried and things she would like to try. Mary Jane enjoyed working with plastic canvas and made Christmas ornaments for the grandkids as well as helping them with school projects and other crafts. Some of Mary Jane's other hobbies were reading, doing word searches, and putting puzzles together. She also enjoyed playing Scrabble with family and a lot of times, she won! Some of the grandchildren remember playing Rummy with her and having such fun. She loved flowers and gardening. She was very proud of her family and liked to show others her pictures of them.

Mary Jane was a member of Meadow Creek Baptist Church. She was active in her church and sang in the choir as well as doing specials. She was the person who sent out cards to members when they were sick or had a birthday, etc. She always helped wherever she could and especially in Vacation Bible School and making chicken and dumplings for church dinners. Mary Jane gave her heart to Jesus and accepted Him as her Savior and has spent her life worshipping and serving her Lord. We know that we can see her again in Heaven where she is singing in the Heavenly choir and praising the Savior with those who have gone before. She will be missed for her encouragement, support and her spunk, but most of all for the love that she showed everyone.

Bro. Jason Bertram and Bro. Moses Raines officiating.

Pallbearers: Jacob Stinson, Marcus Brown, Private First Class Malachi Brown, Richard Southwood, Steve Johnson, Michael "Tommy" Nichols.

Honorary Pallbearers: Matthew Wiley, A.J. Wiley, Liam Wiley, Everly Stinson, Conner Southwood, Judy Johnson, Lily Johnson, JoAnn Johnson, and Aaron Nichols.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, October 24, 2020 between 11 am – 1 pm in the chapel of the funeral home.  Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 24, 2020 at 1 pm at the Hickey Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in the Parnell Baptist Church Cemetery.

Due to the current COVID-19 situation and upon recommendations from the Governor's Office for Funeral Homes, there will be some restrictions for service attendance. You are asked to please wear a mask or facial covering and observe the social distancing guidelines. No communal food or drinks are allowed at this time. Please feel free to sign the online guestbook or send a private condolence message through our website.

Hickey Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.