Mary Frances Brown

Mary Frances Brown, passed peacefully away on February 19, 2022 in Midland, Texas.

Frances, as she was always known, was born on July 4, 1924, in Hondo, Texas to Iva Ruth Chancey Van Fleet and Clarence Augustus Van Fleet.  She was raised by her parents in Hondo, on their family farm.  The stories she told painted a picture of an idyllic childhood in a rural setting filled with family, her beloved sister Mildred Barton and brother Bobby Van Fleet, and parents that adored them all.  Frances graduated from Hondo High School in 1940, as the valedictorian of her class.  She then attended Business College and began secretarial work at McKesson Robbins.

Frances met Jack E. Brown in San Antonio, Texas on a blind date, and the two entered into a whirlwind courtship.  The second date was flying in a borrowed airplane, with Jack at the controls.  He had been flying for approximately two weeks when he took Frances on an airplane date; she agreed to fly with Jack and never looked back.  They were married on April 15, 1951 two weeks after Jack’s proposal.  Jack took an engineering job in Alice, Texas and the newlyweds settled there until a job with Texaco presented itself in 1955.  The Brown family had increased to 4, and Frances, Jack, Peggy, and Van (Mikey) moved to Venezuela for the next two years.  Frances told wonderful stories of life in Venezuela, with colorful descriptions of people, places and culture.  In 1957 the family returned to the U.S. to settle in Midland, Texas and a third child, Patrick, rounded out the family.   Midland became home, and the Brown family settled into the community.  Frances took a job at San Jacinto Jr. High, where she served as the school secretary for a number of years. She thrived on education and enjoyed her tenure there with all the students day to day.   The Browns were avid supporters of Midland, and Mrs. Brown was especially fond of the Midland Community Theatre and Midland College.  The Frances Brown scholarship at Midland College was established under her direction, specifically, for people entering back into college later in life or re-directing to a second career.  She felt everyone, no matter the years between being enrolled in school, or the years of age should be able to continue their education.

Frances’ main passion in life was her family.  In 2015 her beloved Jack passed away after 64 years of marriage.  Frances went on and continued to enjoy her ever growing family.  She was the proud mother of 3, Grandmother of 12 and Great Grandmother of 23, in addition to the many that knew her as Grandmom.   Nothing gave her more pleasure than gathering her family around in Texas and in New England.  Whether they were off on a travel adventure together exploring the world, or celebrating her birthday along with America at her annual family reunion at the lake, she was the prime example of a life well lived.  She will be missed and remembered by all she touched.

Frances is survived by children Peggy Ingram of The Woodlands, TX., Van Brown and Beth Tillman of Mystic, CT., and Patrick Brown of Midland, TX., grandchildren, Jeff Ingram (Sherry) Houston, TX., Julia Fetzer (Jeff) Houston, TX., Jack Ingram (Amy) Austin, TX., Allena Tillman- Brown (Todd Lobins) Mystic, CT., Dugan Tillman- Brown, North Stonington, CT., Melissa Mayo, Austin, TX., Natalie Ray (Joe) Austin, TX., Logan Brown (Jennifer) Austin, TX., Stephanie Eldridge (Josh) Cypress, TX., Lauren Brown (Kyle Mallard), Austin, TX, Cody Delorenzo Brown (Emeral) Covington, LA., Sean Moss (Stephanie) Lubbock, TX., David Thomas Midland, TX., Justin Thomas Midland, TX., as well as 23 wonderful great grands that she doted on and adored.  She is preceded in death by her parents, Ruth and Clarence, her sister and brother in law, Mildred and Jim, her brother Bobby, and her beloved husband Jack.

A special thank you goes to Lee Sanchez, Emilio Castellon, Patricia Gonzales, Rose and Leon Bedford, Kristyn Salazar, Malissa Berry, Lucy Lares, Liza Sanchez, Michelle Urias, Ryan Johnson, Ken Woodruff, Dr. Summer Merritt, Karin Zaya and Tony Sanchez for taking such loving care of her.  She adored each of you.

Private services will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers a donation to Thriving United would be most appreciated.   www.thrivingunited.org

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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