Dec. 3, 1942 - Oct. 22, 2009

ELKHART -- Arleta "Sue" Brown, 66, of Elkhart, went home to meet her Lord on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009, at 8:50 p.m., after an extended illness.

Sue was born Dec. 3, 1942, in Border, Texas, to William E. and Clara E. (Turner) Ogeltree. On Jan. 1, 1989, Sue married her best friend, Lester L. Brown, where they shared a home in Elkhart.

As well as being a devoted and loving wife, Sue was a wonderful mother to her four children, both natural born and from her marriage to Lester. In addition to her husband, survivors include daughters Janae "Jae" A. Lawrence, Tonya M. Emerson and Laura L. (Stephen) Cass, all of Elkhart; one son, James A. Walker of DeFuniak Springs, Fla.; one brother, J.L. Ogeltree of California; seven grandchildren and one great-grandson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, four brothers, and one grandson, Mark A. Alter.

Sue will be remembered for her selfless giving of time and talent, including beaded angels of strength and blankets that she made for family, friends, shelters, nursing homes and infant charities.

Sue openly shared her recovery with friends and the many women she sponsored in her 23 years in Alcoholics Anonymous. She will forever live in the hearts of the many people whose lives have been changed and bettered through her faith, love of God and message of recovery.

Friends and family may visit at the Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009, from 4 until 7 p.m. and one hour prior to the 6 p.m. funeral service on Monday, Oct. 26, 2009, at Billings Funeral Home. The Rev. Dick Dunn will officiate.

Memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637.

Online condolences may reach the family at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.