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