Carolyn Sue Brown

June 13, 1944 - May 1, 2025

Carolyn, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend passed away peacefully at home May 1, 2025. 

Carolyn was born in Chilocothe, Missouri and placed for adoption around 8 months old. Her Aunt Audrey Pierson was visiting family in a nursing home (there was no such thing as an orphanage in town or nearby). She spotted Carolyn, who was playing on a blanket on the floor, bringing joy to the residents. Audrey quickly made a call for Veda and John Adcock to “come get this beautiful blue-eyed baby!” 

Carolyn grew up in a modest home as an only child and apple of her parent’s eye in Carrollton, Missouri. She made life-long friends, shucked corn as a grueling summer job, cruised the courthouse square and Dari maid, but longed for something more. She bravely wrote an essay in a scholarship contest for a fancy beauty school in Kansas City and WON her ticket to adventure. 

Carolyn moved into a multi-unit apartment building located near 32nd and Main (now a Gates BBQ) and brushed elbows with a handsome and confident, Joe Brown. The two teenagers quickly fell in love and the Brown family legacy was born with their marriage in 1963. 

She graduated Cosmetology school. However, that was not her only talent. When she wasn’t doing hair or raising children, she still managed to make time to flex her artistic talents by painting. She’d sneak down to her art easel late at night to create her beautiful landscapes. It wasn’t just a hobby—she’d set up regularly for local art shows held at places like Metcalf South Shopping Center and sell her creations.  

Carolyn was a master in the yard. Always fussing over her beautiful flower beds. She also had a good eye for home decorating. She truly was a gifted artist.  

Joe and Carolyn were married 62 years. Her most important job and one she was best known for; was raising 5 kids.Their legacy lives on through their children Steve Brown, Dave Brown, Rich Brown, Missy Anderson, and Lisa Brown; their spouses, 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; and countless friends. Who will all forever cherish their memory.

A Masonic Service and Rose Ceremony will begin at 4:00 p.m. with Visitation following until 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6th, at the Porter Funeral Home, Lenexa, KS.  The Rosary will be prayed at 11:00 a.m. with the Funeral Mass beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 7th, at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 12800 W 75th Street, Shawnee, KS. A private family burial will follow the Funeral Mass.

In lieu of flowers, the family would ask you to consider a donation to the “Abdallah Shrine building fund.” Mail checks to 5300 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66202. Joe and Carolyn had been passionate about upgrading a set of exterior doors, in order for guests to have ADA push plate access. In the memo portion of the check, please state in honor of Joe & Carolyn. Click here to donate online: https://donorbox.org/ada-door-fund

 

Joseph Francis Brown

July 13, 1941 - April 23, 2025

 

Joe, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother and friend passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on April 23, 2025. 

Joe leaves behind a monumental legacy. Born in Marshall, MO Joe grew up on the Brown family farm learning work ethic and grit that he carried with him throughout his life. 

For 44 years, Joe served as a conductor at BNSF Railway, where his hard work and camaraderie earned him respect and lifelong friendships. Additionally, Joe was a proud member of the Shawnee Masonic Lodge and Abdallah Shrine for 32 years. He embraced their mission with enthusiasm bringing joy to the organization with his infectious spirit. Joe was always the first to step forward to volunteer at events and fundraisers, including driving children to medical appointments at the Shrine Hospital in St Louis. 

Joe was truly the life of the party and even created the infamous dance move aptly named “The Joe Brown.” Whether he was dancing, dressing up in costume, or grinding away in the kitchen prepping food and doing dishes - he did it all in the interest of helping others.  

His most proud accomplishment is raising five amazing kids, who’ve gone on to have children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who always brought him joy.  

You couldn’t know Joe and not see how devoted he was to his wife Carolyn. Joe and Carolyn were married 62 years this March and even during his cancer illness, ups, downs, and weak days, he continued to care for her as her dementia progressed. 

His legacy lives on through his wife, Carolyn; children Steve Brown, Dave Brown, Rich Brown, Missy Anderson, and Lisa Brown; their spouses, 10 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; and countless friends who will forever cherish his memory. 

There’s a saying, “he never knew a stranger.” And that is certainly the case with Joe Brown. He made friends with the pharmacist at Hyvee, the drive through clerk at Burger King, the entire infusion team at Advent hospital, basically everywhere he went. 

From his personal relationships to his work role, and beyond…devotion and commitment ran deep with Joe.  Joe and Carolyn, strong in their Catholic faith, were proud founding members of Good Shepherd Catholic Church in 1974. 

A Masonic Service and Rose Ceremony will begin at 4:00 p.m. with Visitation following until 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6th, at the Porter Funeral Home, Lenexa, KS.  The Rosary will be prayed at 11:00 a.m. with the Funeral Mass beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 7th, at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 12800 W 75th Street, Shawnee, KS. A private family burial will follow the Funeral Mass. 

In lieu of flowers, the family would ask you to consider a donation to the “Abdallah Shrine building fund.” Mail checks to 5300 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66202. Joe and Carolyn had been passionate about upgrading a set of exterior doors, in order for guests to have ADA push plate access. In the memo portion of the check, please state in honor of Joe & Carolyn. Click here to donate online: https://donorbox.org/ada-door-fund

 

 



Condolences

Jim Scaramucci May 05, 2025

Lifelong friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

I said Joe was the patriarch of the greatest family I’ve known. And Carolyn was the matriarch. What an amazing life she led just like her husband Joe. Carolyn was a big success in so many roles. She really was a talented artist. I’m lucky I got to see some of her really beautiful artwork. For me personally, when I was a kid in the old neighborhood, Carolyn was like a second mom to me because I was over at the Brown house in Overland Park all the time. Carolyn was always so kind and welcomed me into their home without hesitation. Well, Carolyn, I hope I didn’t mess the house up too much during all those sleepovers! I guess not because even as I became an adult, you warmly told me to come over anytime I wanted. I guess I didn’t spill the milk too many times then. Lol. For whatever reason, I remember this brief conversation we neighborhood kids had with Carolyn when I was just about 8 or 9 years old. Carolyn was driving us kids around, and it was her birthday. So we asked, “How old are you now, Mrs. Brown?” Carolyn replied, “I’m 29”. And we said, “But weren’t you 29 last year?” Were we right? I don’t know, but Carolyn smiled and started laughing. It’s funny the little things you recall from those glorious days gone by. I also remember that lost little neighborhood boy. Wasn’t he the same kid who later got a ticket for driving his Go-Cart on the sidewalk? Lol. Fortunately we found him all safe and sound. More than anything, Carolyn was kind and thoughtful. Whenever I’d see her as I got older, she’d always ask how my mom and dad and sisters and brother were doing. Most of all, Carolyn’s greatest contribution to our world was her five children. To Rich, Dave, Steve, Missy, and Lisa, we all mourn with you. Without you guys, my own world would never have been as rich and fun as it has been. Thanks for the friendships you brought me, Carolyn. Now you’re reunited with the love of your life, Joe. My own parents once again live in the same neighborhood as you, so please look them up. Maybe you all can get that old neighborhood back together because one day I’d love to have another “neighborhood” camp out up in the clouds. You will definitely be missed.

Terese Marmaduke May 06, 2025

Cousin ,Indisnapolis ,Indiana

My deepest sympathy to the families for the loss of Joe and Carolyn. You are all in my prayers.

Jim Scaramucci May 07, 2025

Lifelong friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

To the Brown family, hey guys, sorry if I wrote too much above or was repetitive. I have that tendency sometimes when I write. My sole intent was to honor a great lady like your Mom whom I respected and cared about a great deal. God Bless Joe and Carolyn. Love you all so much.

Linda Corbin May 14, 2025

Neighbor & Friend ,Shawnee ,Kansas

Use to be ab early morning walker! One snowy morning, it occurred to me, I’m out in this! why not put their paper by their door! It was supposed to be a secret, of course, Joe got up early and caught me! We developed a beautiful friendship, and I learned a lot about the two! Especially how proud they were of their children & families! Surgeries changed my life and I did not see them as often and I just learned from my neighbor that they passed away! Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss and pray the beautiful memories will continue healing your hearts….

Services

Event:
Visitation
Location:
Porter Funeral Home
Address:
8535 Monrovia Street
City:
Lenexa
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66215
Date:
May 06, 2025
Time:
4:00 PM
Google Map:
Event:
Rosary
Location:
Good Shepherd Catholic Church
Address:
12800 W 75th Street
City:
Shawnee
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66216
Date:
May 07, 2025
Time:
11:00 AM
Google Map:
Event:
Funeral Mass
Location:
Good Shepherd Catholic Church
Address:
12800 W 75th Street
City:
Shawnee
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66216
Date:
May 07, 2025
Time:
11:30 AM
Google Map: