Betty Ann Brown

Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Brown was born on January 14, 1938, at her family home on NW 39th Expressway in Oklahoma City — an apartment above her father’s mechanic shop, lovingly known as Michael’s Garage. She was born to David Lorenzo and Anna Marilla Michaels and was the younger sister of David Grant Michaels, who preceded her in death in 2011.

Betty grew up quite literally above the family business, surrounded by the hum of engines and the steady presence of family. She remained in that home until 1955, the year she married the love of her life, Joe Donald Brown — a love story that would span nearly 63 years until Joe’s passing in 2018.

Betty attended Putnam City Schools and graduated from Putnam City High School in 1956. In fact, she was one of several married young women walking across the stage that year — already building a life while finishing her education. Joe and Betty welcomed two daughters, Betty Jo in 1956 and Donna in 1959, and together they built a home filled with love, laughter, and adventure.

Betty devoted her early years to being a homemaker and mother. Once her daughters began school, she took her first job serving meals at Rockwood Elementary School. Though she later worked for the Oklahoma City Visitors and Convention Bureau, her heart always belonged in the schools. She found her greatest joy working with children and served as a school secretary in Oklahoma City, Anchorage, Alaska, and ultimately retired from Western Heights Public Schools. For Betty, school halls were not just workplaces — they were communities.

Adventure was woven into Betty’s life. In 1964, she and Joe purchased their first of three private airplanes, and from that moment forward, the world became their backyard. With Joe as pilot, they traveled to Mexico City, Washington D.C., South Padre Island, and all the way north to Alaska. Betty’s adventurous spirit carried her home from Oklahoma City to Anchorage and even to Japan — twice. Whether crossing oceans or state lines, she was always ready for the next journey.

Their travels only expanded after Joe retired from flying. Together they explored from Florida to Maine, throughout Canada and Mexico, and across China, Japan, England, Italy, and many other countries throughout Asia and Europe. Later, they embraced life on the road, purchasing a motorhome and spending 12 years traveling full-time. Summers were spent working as park rangers in South Dakota, winters as snowbirds in Mission, Texas, and in between, they created unforgettable memories with their grandchildren — from Galveston beaches and even a trip to Sturgis.

In 2013, Joe and Betty settled at Spanish Cove Retirement Village. True to form, Betty did not slow down. She volunteered in the Cove store, delivered resident mail, paddled with the Dragon Boat team, and served as an ambassador welcoming new residents. She was active, engaged, and always ready to participate — her warmth and energy continuing to bless those around her.

Betty passed peacefully from this world Friday, February 20th, 2026 and is survived by her two beloved daughters, Betty Jo Malley and husband Rick, and Donna Denny and husband Steve; her four grandchildren, Amber Fox, Chris Malley, Taylor Fisher, and Blaine Denny; seven great-grandchildren, Hunter, Tristan, and Madalynn Fox; Sawyer and Sage Fisher; Bodhi and Rory Malley; and one great-great-grandchild, Jayce Fox.

Betty lived a life marked by devotion — to her husband, her family, her friends, and every adventure that came her way. She loved deeply, traveled widely, and left behind a legacy of warmth, resilience, and joyful spirit that will continue for generations.

A funeral service will be held at 10am Friday, February 27, 2026 at Bill Eisenhour Funeral Home at Sunny Lane Cemetery, located at 4000 SE 29th Street, Del City, OK, 73115.