Johnnie Earline Ard Brown

Johnnie Earline Ard Brown, age 80, of Austin, Texas, died on Wednesday, May 11, 2005. She was born August 29, 1924 in Breckenridge, Texas to John Franklin Ard and Zelma Jewel Pesnell Ard. She was raised with her younger brother, Billy D. Ard, who preceded her in death in 1982. In 1930, the Ard family moved to Gladewater, Texas, an oil boom town, where Johnnie attended High School, receiving an excellent education to prepare her for North Texas University in Denton, Texas where she majored in Physical Education, excelling in basketball and softball, and then pre-med. She was chosen to be a member of the Green Jackets, an honorary group of college women. Due to family concerns, Johnnie returned home taking a job at the local Army hospital in Longview, Texas working as assistant pathologist and then lab technician caring for wounded World War II soldiers returning from overseas combat. During this time, due to her father’s early demise in 1931, her mom, Jewel, was running the oil tank building business in Gladewater. Johnnie went on to work with several doctors in private practice. Johnnie met her future husband, Ted E. Brown, in Columbus, Texas. They married and then soon after (1947) moved to Austin. They were married for 52 years, having a son, Charles Brown and a daughter, Diana Sue Brown. Throughout her life, mom was a very dedicated, supportive wife and mother, graciously giving to others. She was a retired DPS employee and long time member of Koenig Lane Christian Church. She is survived by her son, Charles Brown and by her daughter, Diana Sue Brown, both of Austin. Johnnie was a dedicated aunt and was much loved by her nieces and nephews. We thank God for the life of Johnnie and the many blessings she shared with us. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Monday, May 16, 2005, at Austin Memorial Park. A Memorial service will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Koenig Lane Christian Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Safe Place, Koenig Lane Christian Church, or to a charity of your choice. Memorials and guestbook online at wcfish.com