Courtney Ann Brown

Courtney Ann Brown, 32, of Dallas, Texas, passed away on February 23, 2022 surrounded by her family after a battle with Covid. She was an amazing and much-loved daughter and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her memory and bright smile and laugh will forever live in our hearts.

Courtney was born on February 5, 1990 to James and Julie Brown in Dallas, Texas. Courtney was born with VATER Syndrome. Due to fused ribs, scoliosis and some spinal abnormalities, Courtney had over 30 surgeries to correct these issues. Most of these surgeries were for the Titanium Rib (later known as VEPTR) that was implanted in her back to spread her ribs and expanded every 6 months as she grew. The Titanium Rib began as an experimental procedure, of which Courtney was very fortunate to be the 8th child to participate, as there were no other options to help her at the time. In addition, she had 2 club foot surgeries and 2 kidney transplants. The 1st kidney was donated by her mother and lasted for 16 years. The 2nd kidney was received 5 years ago from a family who lost a loved one, and it was still going strong.

Despite all of the medical and physical challenges Courtney suffered, she never let that stop her from doing or trying everything she wanted. She was so strong and never let anyone push her around or treat her differently, instead making many friends and allies wherever she went.

Courtney grew up in Carrollton, Texas. She attended Sheffield Elementary, Dan F. Long Middle School and R.L. Turner High School. At R.L. Turner, she was enrolled in the BioMedical Academy focusing on Animal Science, where she got a jump start on her career caring for animals. She held an internship at Josey Ranch Pet Hospital from 2006-2008. She was a member of the Lionettes Drill Team for 3 years, including Historian 2006-2007 and President 2007-2008. Courtney also had the opportunity to perform in the Halftime Show at the 2008 Capital One Bowl as a dancer. After Courtney graduated from R.L. Turner High School in 2008, she went on to receive her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a Major in Agriculture - Animal Science at Texas State University, graduating in 2012.

After college, Courtney began volunteering at Farmers Branch Animal Shelter, but quickly was hired as a Veterinary Assistant and soon began assisting with surgeries. She then took a position as a Veterinary Technician at Town East Galloway Animal Clinic. For the past 2 years, she has been with Readivet as a Receptionist, then promoted to Office Manager and then most recently promoted to Practice Manager. Courtney loved working with animals and their families in any capacity.

Courtney is survived by her parents, James and Julie Brown; her sister, Cassidy Thomas and her husband Poet Thomas; her grandparents, Lynn and Jan Markel; her aunts and uncles, Beverly and Duane Reissig, Greg and Michele Markel, Matt and Diana Markel, Jason and Emily Markel; her cousins, Keith Reissig, Ryan Schiefelbein, Josh Markel, Katie Markel, Hannah Markel, Reese Markel, Erin Markel and Ryann Markel; and her beloved dog and partner in crime, Bentley.

Courtney was preceded in death by her grandfather, Bob Brown, her grandmother, Sally Brown, her aunt, Sondra Schiefelbein, as well as her dog, Chocolate Chip and cat, Tiger.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Courtney’s memory may be made to Operation Kindness (where she adopted Bentley) and Camp John Marc (where she soared with other kidney kids).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Brown Family on Facebook in the Celebrating Courtney Brown group.