LaShelle D. Brown

LaShelle attended Muncie Community Schools from elementary through high school. While attending Muncie Central High School, she excelled in girls’ basketball. LaShelle made Muncie Central athletic history when she became the first female athlete from the school to sign a National Letter of Intent. She committed to play basketball at Tri-State University after being recruited by several schools. During her high school career, she averaged 19.3 points and nine rebounds per game.

LaShelle dedicated her career to the Indiana Department of Correction, where she served in several positions and steadily advanced through the department. In 2021, she became the Warden of the Indiana Women’s Prison.

LaShelle loved Jesus Christ and accepted Him as her Lord and Savior. She became a member of Kingdom Apostolic Ministries, where she faithfully served as an active member for more than 20 years.

LaShelle deeply loved her family and children. She was especially excited to become a grandmother and adored her new granddaughter, Amiria. LaShelle had a heart of gold. People were naturally drawn to her because of her compassion, kindness, and willingness to help anyone—even those she did not know.

LaShelle married Mark Brown on May 29, 2022. Their love for one another made them inseparable. They treasured every moment together. They loved traveling, listening to live music, attending gospel concerts colts and pacer games, watching movies, or supporting their grandchildren at their activities. It never mattered what they were doing or where they were going, as long as they were together. She loved basketball and thought of herself as the queen of practical jokes.

LaShelle leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband, Mark A. Brown Sr.; mother, Dorothy Ivy; father Milton Smith (Michelle), brothers, Carlos Smith (TC) and Kevin Smith (Neshelle); children, Keeon Turner and Shennay Turner; stepchildren, Erica Brown, Elizabeth Brown, and Mark Brown Jr.; her grandchildren; and a host of nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces, cousins, other family members and longtime friendships. LaShelle was preceded in death by her brother Christopher Smith.

The family of LaShelle Brown would like to sincerely thank everyone who has shown their love and support through kind messages, flowers, prayers, and other expressions of sympathy as we lay our beloved wife, daughter, sister, mother, and grandmother to rest.

A special thank-you is extended to Bishop Lambert Gates, and the Kingdom Apostolic Ministries church family, Dr. Kevin Woodgett, Deacon Jimmy and Evangelist Rita Sloss, and Mrs. Bonnie Russell. Your love, prayers, and support have meant more to our family than words can express.

A visitation will be held at Kingdom Apostolic Ministries, 4900 E 38th St, Indianapolis, IN 46218, on September 21, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm with a Celebration of Life to follow at 12:00 pm.

LaShelle will be laid to rest at Crown Hill Cemetery following the service.