WAKARUSA — Thelma "Jean" Brown, 93, of Wakarusa and formerly of Elkhart, passed away Monday morning, Nov. 3, at Miller's Merry Manor in Wakarusa.

Thelma was born March 27, 1921, in Manchester, Tenn., to the late William and Della (Farrar) Haggard.

She married Fred Brown on Oct. 7, 1939, in Manchester. Fred passed away Feb. 3, 2009.

Thelma was preceded in death by her daughter, Freda Higgins; a great-grandson, Brent Malcom; five brothers; and a sister.

Surviving are her children, Joyce (Roy) Malcom of Elkhart, Barbara (Dave) Stealy of Cortez, Colo., and Patti (Rob) King of Elkhart; eight grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and her sister, Ruth Peek of Manchester.

Thelma worked as a seamstress for Cobra Industries and then became the owner of Jean's Drapery Shop until she retired.

She was a longtime member of Northside Church of the Nazarene and the Jamestown Senior Homemakers Club. She loved to cook and entertain with her southern cooking and hospitality. She also enjoyed gardening, canning, sewing and serving others.

Funeral services celebrating Thelma's life will begin at 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, at Northside Church of the Nazarene, 53569 C.R. 7, Elkhart, where friends may visit with the family beginning at 11 a.m. Pastor Oscar Sheets will officiate. Burial will follow in Olive (East) Cemetery.

Memorials may be made in Thelma's name to Northside Church of the Nazarene.

Arrangements are under the care of Billings Funeral Home of Elkhart.

---