Mary Jane Brown

December 31, 1937 – February 9, 2025

Mary “Jane” Brown a cherished mom, sister, Gram, aunt, and loyal friend passed on into the arms of Jesus early Sunday morning surrounded by her family. She was 87 years old.

She was born to the late Lilburn Green Daugherty and Mary Irene Murphy on December 31, 1937, as the first of what would become eight children.

She taught us that childhood during the Depression was a struggle, but those hardships ultimately forged and equipped her for the long life ahead. Jane pulled double duty raising six children of her own, along with countless others as she ran an in-home daycare. She stretched every dollar and took nothing for granted.

Being outside in the sunshine on a warm day, spending time on any waterfront patio at the beach, tending to her flowerbeds, and spending time with family were among the many things that brought her happiness. Any day she was blessed to feel well enough she dedicated time to her word search puzzle books, competing on Wheel of Fortune from the comfort of her home and breaking for a bag of popcorn and a can of Diet Coke around 2 o’clock each afternoon. Even on a day when she wasn’t feeling her best, a bowl of butter pecan ice cream was enough to lift her spirits.

In 2013, she begrudgingly welcomed Bella into the family during an annual reunion back home in Campbellsville, KY. Little did anyone know then Bella and she would become best friends. Bella, and of course Charley (Sherri’s best girl), will no doubt feel her absence, even if they measure that by the decrease in shared people food.

Jane was preceded in death by her parents, son Ricky Brown, daughter Tauna Byars, granddaughter Sarah Carmichael, siblings Barbara Hood, Donald Daugherty, Dorothy Keltner, and Ann Miskell.

She leaves behind her daughter Sherri Brown who selflessly balanced the role of caregiver while navigating the unknowns of her mom’s many overlapping health challenges in her last years. She is survived by grandchildren Nick (Courtney) Brown, Jess (April) Disney, Lisa (Brad) Singleton, Karen (Amanda) Brown, Bryan (Allison) Carmichael, Courtney (Russell) Parra, Lauren Byars, Kenley Brown, Tyler Brown; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Jane is also survived by other children: Darlene Disney, Robin (Eric) Barnhart, Chris (Kelly) Brown; daughter-in-law Debbi Brown; and son-in-law Don Byars. Her memory will be cherished by her siblings Brenda (Lee) Rayner, James (Juanita) Daugherty, Vicki Miller, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society or the West Cancer Foundation in her honor.

Mary Brown, Momma, Jane, Gram – she will be profoundly missed by all who were lucky enough to share their lives with her.

A gathering for family and friends will be held Thursday, February 13, 2025 from 11:00 AM until a celebration of Mary's life begins at 12:30 PM all in the Arlington Suite of Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133.

Online condolences, floral tributes and directions may be found through www.memphisfuneralhome.net.