Ava D. Brown

Ava D. Brown (Ericson), age 85, of Machesney Park, Illinois, passed away on her birthday, March 23, 2026. She was born on March 23, 1941, in Kewanee, Illinois, to Carl W. (Bill) Ericson and Dorothy M. Ericson (Harland). She grew up on her family’s farm in rural Galva, Illinois and was a direct descendant of the original settlers of the Bishop Hill colony. Both of Ava’s parents were from large farm families and she grew up near 19 biological aunts and uncles and over 50 first cousins. She was raised as part of an extended family that gathered frequently.

Ava attended a rural one-room grade school until 5th grade and then, when the Galva school district was created, she attended Galva public schools for the remainder of her junior high and high school education. As a child, Ava was very involved in 4-H, winning blue ribbons for flower arranging and qualifying for the State Fair. She was a 1959 graduate of Galva High School where she was an honor student and a very good athlete. During high school, she was involved in the Future Teachers of America, class plays, yearbook staff and the Girls Athletic Association. Ava never missed a day of school.

Ava was a 1963 honors graduate of Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science in Education. During college, she served as a Resident Assistant in her women’s dormitory. She did her student teaching in Elgin, Illinois and became lifelong friends with her student teaching roommates. After her college graduation, Ava taught elementary school in Elgin for two years. In 1963, mutual friends set her up on a blind date with Paul T. Brown. They were married on June 20, 1965. She moved to Loves Park, Illinois, Paul’s hometown, in 1965 and taught at Maple Elementary School until the birth of her first child. She and Paul were married for 60 years and built a wonderful family and life together.

Ava was a dedicated, lifelong Cubs fan. She attended games every year until her health prevented it and she always kept a meticulous scorecard. She adopted Paul’s alma mater, Harlem High School, and for many years she and Paul never missed a Harlem football or basketball game. She also became a big fan of Northwestern University, the alma mater of three of her children, and attended Wildcat home football games in Evanston for decades. She and her dear friend, Jean Herro, led the Great Books program at North Park Elementary School for many years. Through this program, Ava was able to pass on her great love of reading to many students. She remained a voracious reader until the day she died, often consuming multiple novels a week.

After a Methodist upbringing, Ava became a member of Bethany Presbyterian Church, Paul’s home church, and it was her church home for 60 years. She was an extremely active member of Bethany and touched the lives of countless children while teaching elementary Sunday school for over 40 years. She also served as an elder and deacon of the church and was part of the Christian Education Committee, the Women’s Association and numerous women’s circles. Through Bethany, Ava and Paul were very active in Presbyterian Mariners and many family vacations were spent attending annual Mariners “Cruises” in locations around the country. The church was the source of many of Ava’s dearest friendships and, though many friends have preceded her to heaven, she leaves many dear church friends behind.

Ava was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She is survived by her husband, Paul, of Machesney Park, Illinois; her brother, Daniel Ericson, of Galva, Illinois; her children, Jeff Brown (Dr. Tracy Cole) of Machesney Park, Illinois, Jodi Mohr (Michael) of Machesney Park, Illinois, Jennifer Brown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Jason Brown (Dr. Alisha Hudson) of Grand Rapids, Michigan; and her grandchildren, Alex, Riley and Zoey Brown, Airiana and Aubrey Mohr, and Brennan, Grace and Lilah Brown. She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl W. Ericson (1985) and Dorothy M. Ericson (2012).

Ava’s family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at River Bluff nursing home, and to Robyn Lester, for their loving care of Ava in her final years.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Bethany Presbyterian Church, 5403 N. 2nd St., Loves Park, Illinois. There will be a visitation preceding the service beginning at 10:00 A.M. and a luncheon will be held at the church following the service. Arrangements by Sunset Memorial Gardens at 8800 N. Alpine Rd., Machesney Park, Illinois 61115. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established to support the youth program at Bethany Presbyterian Church.