Betty was born in Beaumont, Texas, on 11/29/40 to Leonard and Clementine Sterling. She married Willie O. Brown on September 28, 1956. Betty and Willie moved to Des Moines, Iowa, in the early ’60s. She began to raise her children, Elizabeth Ann, Eric Christopher, Jason Edward, and Willie Oscar Jr., with love and devotion.
Betty was a strong, caring, and loving woman that genuinely impacted everyone she met. Her passionate love for her family and others was always on full display as she was always willing to look after everyone’s needs. She loved Iowa but was always concerned when the weather was dicey. She would never want her family to travel in any type of storm.
She was affectionately known by many as Mrs. Brown, Aunt Betty, and Betty Jean. She was always thinking of others. Even in her last days, she was more concerned for those around her, trying to take care of her husband and comfort her family and friends.
Betty was Executive Administrator for Brown Brother’s Fencing for 45 years. She was an avid reader, loved crossword puzzles, her music, and was an amazing cook. No matter what time of day it was, she was always willing to cook for you and send you away satisfied. Those who knew her well knew about her signature dishes; gumbo, peach cobbler, smothered chicken, dirty rice, cornbread dressing, or grits and eggs. She loved the Lord with all of her heart, mind, and soul. She truly meditated on God’s Word daily!
She is survived by her husband Willie; her daughter Elizabeth (Burnard) Scott; sons Eric (Angie) Brown, Jason (Kim) Brown, and Will (Charlene) Brown; Grandchildren, Devan, Morgan and Tristan Brown, James Young, James and Jacob McDermott, Jordan Hall; her 8 Great Grandchildren; and her many beloved nieces and nephews. Aside from the children and grandchildren she doted on, Betty is survived by her sisters Shelia Harris and Barbara Westbrooks; and brothers Bradley, Charles, Joseph, and Paul Sterling.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel, 801 19th Street, West Des Moines, IA, 50265 on Wednesday, February 10, 2021, at 1:00 pm (CST). Burial will be at Glendale Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, we believe it was Betty’s desire that memorial tributes be made in the form of charitable donations to the future care of her loving husband, Willie Brown. Donations can be made to Venmo @Will-Brown-331 or mailed to 7122 Reed Lane, West Des Moines, Iowa 50266.
