Cleta Ladene Brown

Mrs. Brown was born August 2, 1921, in Floydada, Texas to James Thomas and Katie Bell McLain. She was one of seven children, all of whom preceded her in death. Because of her bright blonde hair, Cleta was known by friends and family as “Cotton.”

In early 1939, she moved to Lubbock, Texas, to attend Draughon’s Business College and got a job working for Furr Food Stores. There she met the late John Elmer Brown, an employee of the warehouse. The couple was wed in March of 1942, after which her husband enlisted into the U.S. Marine Corps to serve during World War II. While he was away, she worked at Douglas Aircraft Company.

Following the war, the couple continued to reside in Lubbock, where Cleta and John raised two daughters. She served as a Girl Scout leader, taught girls’ Sunday school and supported her husband as he managed a Furr’s warehouse. The couple lived in Lubbock, California, and Amarillo before retiring in Carrollton, Texas in 1986.

In their retirement years, Cleta and John became members of First Baptist Church Carrollton, where he served as a deacon and she volunteered for a number of service opportunities. He passed away in 2017 at the age of 95. A loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she spent her final years at home reading and keeping up with her growing family, most of whom refer to her as “Deenie.” Those family members celebrate her as a constant source of encouragement and kindness.

Cleta was preceded in death by her husband, John, along with two brothers and four sisters. Survivors include her daughters Vicki Brown of Carrollton and JoDeane Boyett of Amarillo, plus many nieces and nephews, three grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. Her family expresses their deep appreciation to her wonderful caretakers including Santa Perez and the staff at Yellow Rose Hospice which includes Missy Bradlow, Rachel Bloom, Rick Watts, Dora Rodriguez and Gabby Gonzalez. The family suggests memorials be sent to Mission 2540 (P.O. Box 20771, Amarillo, TX 79114, mission2540.org) or a charity of choice.