Vera “Marie” “Ma” Brown, 95, of Hoopeston, passed away at 8:49 p.m. Friday, December 23, 2022, at Heritage Health, in Hoopeston.

Marie was born on August 25, 1927, in Hoopeston, the daughter of Earl and Myrle (Crose) Justice.  She married Robert G. Brown on April 3, 1949, in Hoopeston.  He preceded her in death on February 6, 1983. 

She is survived by two sons- Gary (Margie) Brown of Hoopeston and Michael (Michelle) Brown of Olathe, Kansas; son-in-law- Lou Barber of Collierville, Tennessee; fourteen grandchildren- Candice (Brian Metts) Barber of Tennessee, Chris Barber of Tennessee, Gary Allen (Jeri) Brown of Hoopeston, Bryon (Jill) Brown of Milford, Sara Furrow of Hoopeston, Mikhaila, Mikhenna, Miguel, Mikah, Mikholai and Mailhani Brown all of Olathe, Kansas; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter- Linda Barber, four brothers and two sisters.

Marie graduated from John Greer High School, in Hoopeston.  She worked as a cook at Hoopeston High School, and she ran “Ma’s Kitchen” inside the Hoopeston American Legion for several years.  When Marie worked at the high school, she was very involved in the school sports.  She was a member of the American Legion and VFW Auxiliary, where she was very active.  She was also a member of the First Christian Church.  Marie enjoyed working because she loved being around people.  She also enjoyed cooking, reading, fishing with her kids, gardening and traveling with her daughter Linda. 

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 29, 2022, at Blurton Funeral Home.  A Celebration of Marie’s Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday. December 30, 2022, at Blurton Funeral Home, in Hoopeston, with James Thatcher officiating.  She will be laid to rest following the services in Floral Hill Cemetery.  Memorials may be made in Marie’s name to the Hoopeston American Legion Auxiliary.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Marie’s life.  Condolences may be shared with the family on her everlasting memorial page at: www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.