Merlene Brown

Merlene Brown, formerly of Big Spring, passed away peacefully Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Fountain Hills Assisted Living and Memory Care in Lubbock surrounded by her family. Celebration of Life service will be held at Lakeridge Chapel in Lubbock, TX January 27, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Graveside service will follow at Trinity Memorial Park in Big Spring, TX.

Merlene was born Anita Merlene McDonald in Bradshaw, Texas September 1, 1941. She graduated from Big Spring High School in 1959. That same year, she married the love of her life, Melvin Brown, in Big Spring. Together they eventually moved from Big Spring to Sand Springs and raised three daughters.

Merlene was a Girl Scout and Brownie leader and also studied to become a teacher. She was a graduate of Howard College and University of Texas Permian Basin. She taught at Coahoma Junior High helping many students to improve their reading skills until her retirement. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Coahoma, TX.

Merlene had a generous and caring nature. She loved spoiling her girls, nieces and nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She never missed a ceremony, sports event, stock show or recital involving her grandkids. She was an avid cat rescuer.

She was preceded in death by her husband: Melvin, her sister: Lynda Roden, her parents: John McDonald Jr. and Ella Beatrice Compton Templeton, and her oldest daughter: Melissa Salzman.

Merlene is survived by two daughters: Kerre Knight and husband Shawn, Jenna Roberts and husband Mike, brother-in-law: John Roden, five grandchildren: Aaron Shaffer and wife Brooke, Marty Roberts and wife Lorena, Macy Roberts, Ryan Seright and Sasha Norton, and three great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the amazing caregivers at Fountain Hills Assisted Living and Memory Care and the staff of Hospice of Lubbock who helped care for Merlene.

Memorials can be made to Heritage Museum, 510 Scurry St. Big Spring, TX or the 79720 or the Humane Society of Odessa, 2230 W Sycamore, Odessa, TX or the 79763.