Mary Irene Brown Joe David Brown

12/25/1940-8/28/2 023         1/21/1940-9/1/2023

Mary Irene (Stow) Brown , 82, freed from this world August 28, 2023.  Born in Memphis TN December 25, 1940 to Howard Kee Stow and Waty Irene Stow.  A Christmas Baby! Mary lived in many places growing up as her father Howard was with the railroad. At the age of 9 she was baptized and her faith was her guiding light throughout her life. When she was 12 her sister Sherry was born after many years of prayers for a baby sister.  She graduated from Parkview High School in Springfield MO and SMSU with a Bachelor of Science in Education.  While at SMSU she met Joe Brown and they were married on May 19th 1962.  They were married 61 years.  Mary was an artist and teacher  but chose to stay home and raise her children. She was an accomplished seamstress and made all her children's clothes when they were young.  Her greatest loves were being with family and lunches with friends.  She was an animal lover and supported several animal welfare groups.   Mary got into the antique business attending auctions and selling in several antique malls across southwest Missouri.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents Howard and Irene Stow.   She is survived by her daughter Valerie Peterson and  husband Bob and grandson Jacob of Springfield MO and her grandson Nathan Peterson, Franklin TN;  her son Patrick Brown and wife Bahia, and granddaughter Sydney of  Gladstone Mo and her granddaughter Grace, currently at MU; Sister Sherry Smith, Grandview MO, Nephew Ben Smith, Peculiar MO, and his children Kayla and Connor.

Joe and Mary loved to take cruises in their later years with friends and family making many happy memories.  Mary enjoyed her dog Goldie and they took many miles of walks together. Although she had many health challenges throughout her life, nothing ever got her down, Mary was a Powerhouse!

The family would like to express our deepest appreciation from those who assisted in her care in the last few months.

Joe David Brown , 82, passed away September 1, 2023. Born January 21, 1941 to Ralph J Brown and Esther  E (Wildman) Brown in Neosho MO.  Joe spent his youth in Neosho and played sports in school.  He was accepted to SMSU where he received his bachelor of Science in Education.  He met and married Mary I Stow on May 19th 1962. They were married 63 years. Joe worked for JC Penny's in management then later switch to auto sales selling at large dealerships in Springfield including Friendly Ford, Central Dodge and Springfield Lincoln Mercury. After retirement Joe spent time working with Jamie Hathcock Motors. He was top salesman for years and always saw his customers as friends. Joe was an active member of Springfield Elks Lodge 409 serving in several leadership positions. Joe was also a member of the Order of DeMolay and was a Master Mason.  His retirement hobbies were cooking, animal welfare support and spending time with his family, friends and dog Goldie. Joe never knew a stranger.  A trip to Harter House for milk would take an hour as he knew everyone in the store and took time to visit with each one.  Joe was the family's weather warning system, with him giving immediate phone calls to everyone for severe weather threats.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Mary I Brown, his parents, Ralph J Brown and Esther E (Wildman) Brown, and his uncle Pat Wildman.  He is survived by his children, daughter Valerie Peterson and  husband Bob, grandson Jacob all of Springfield MO, and grandson Nathan Peterson of Franklin TN.  Son Patrick D Brown, his wife Bahia and granddaughter Sydney of Gladstone MO and granddaughter Grace currently enrolled at MU Columbia MO.  Sister-in-law Sherry Smith of Grandview MO, nephew Ben Smith and his children Kayla and Connor of Peculiar MO.

Joe's last words were of how proud he was of his grandchildren.

The family would like to express our gratitude to the many people who helped in Joe's care the past months.