Shirley Joan Brown

Shirley Joan Rowan Brown, 86, of New Brockton, Alabama (formerly of Collinsville, AL), passed away at her home Friday, October 15, 2021, surrounded by loving family and friends.

A virtual memorial service is planned for a later date.

Shirley was born April 12, 1935, to the late John Thomas and Saronah Rowan of Collinsville, Alabama, and she shared over 53 wonderful years with her late husband, Olen Wayne Brown of New Brockton, Alabama (formerly of Sandrock).

She was preceded in death by eight siblings: Mildred Henderson (Neiman), Maurine Neely, J L Rowan (Kate), Lucille Prator, Jean West (John “BB”), Charley Rowan (Gail), Ethel Selman (Frank) and Thomas Rowan (Helen).

Shirley grew up in North Alabama and attended Sandrock High School where she was a cheerleader.  After marrying her high school sweetheart, who joined the Air Force, together they made homes in Amarillo, Texas; Lake Charles, Louisiana; Selma, Alabama; and finally in New Brockton, Alabama. 

It was in Selma that Shirley cultivated a life-changing friendship with “the Avon Lady” Marjorie Felts who introduced her to Jehovah. Shirley enjoyed many encouraging Bible discussions with her friend, learning about God and what his kingdom will do for mankind. She was so excited about what she was learning that she spent much time sharing what she learned with others, including her family members. On October 30, 1965, to symbolize her heartfelt dedication to God, Shirley was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Because of Shirley’s example and diligence, her husband, all five of her children, her best friend and her family chose to serve Jehovah as well.

Paint a mental picture of Shirley and what would you see? A gentle sweetness and kindness that drew you to her. Mimi loved her grand babies, and they loved their Mimi, her open arms and big wide smile. Shirley was a collector too, from dolls to birds, spoons, butterflies, thimbles, steins, and rocks from nearly everywhere. And who can forget all of her decorative quilts, crocheting projects, expert sewing, and beautiful jewelry that she loved to share with others. Shirley truly was a modern-day Dorcas (Acts 9:36, 39). And she was never selfish with her knowledge. She would teach you those crafts too.

She leaves to cherish her memory five children: Janet Elizabeth Harper (Larry) of New Brockton, Richard Wade Brown (Deb) of Selma, David Wayne Brown (Debbey) of Selma, Kimberly Joan Koppel (David) of Big Pine Key, FL, and Eric Ashley Brown (Beverly) of New Brockton; eight grandchildren: Heather Fairfax (Jermaine) of Orlando, FL, Lucas Harper (Camila) of New Brockton, Alan Sturdivant of Selma, Stephen Koppel of Big Pine Key, FL, Chris Brown (Ebony) of Meridian, MS, Michael Koppel of Brighton, MI, Alyssa Brown of New Brockton, and Skylar Brown of Enterprise; nine great-grandchildren: Jordan, Aaron, Bailon, Arin, Jayde, Alan, Olen, Thalia, and Carter; and two great-great grandchildren: Jalaila and Remi; two sisters-in-law Gail Rowan and Helen Rowan; and a host of nieces and nephews.

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