Jessie Brown

February 20, 2013

Jessie (Hay) Brown, 92, Iola, passed away Monday, Feb. 18, 2013, at Tara Gardens.
She was born Aug. 11, 1920, in Chanute, the daughter of Harry and Bessie (Brownrigg) Hay. The family grew up in Neosho and Woodson counties. She attended Owl Creek Country School in Woodson County and was a graduate of Humboldt High School in 1938. She then attended Brown Mackie School of Business in Kansas City, Kan.
On May 23, 1941, Jessie married Melvin “Bud” Brown. They made their home in Iola and later moved to a farm northwest of Iola. He preceded her in death March 1, 1974, and she remained on the farm.
Jessie worked at the law office of Robert V. Talkington for a short time before working 38 years for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the Allen County ASCS office. After retirement she worked part time in the Allen County Treasurers office.
Her memberships include the Iola B.P.W. and N.A.R.F.E. Jessie enjoyed doing embroidery work. She also enjoyed her many farm animals and her grandchildren’s activities.
She is survived by two sons, Lee Brown of Rogers, Ark., and Larry Brown of Iola; one daughter, Sue Keller, Iola; her twin sister, Bessie Leonard, Humboldt; seven grandchildren, Kim Beecher, Kris Brown, Jason Brown, Jennifer Bolz, Angela Slocum, Nickole Shultz and Devin Brown; and eight great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Harry Hay, Jr. and James Hay; and a sister, Evelyn Maddi.
Visitation will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, at Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola.
Graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Highland Cemetery in Iola.
Memorial choices are Alzheimer’s Association or American Cancer Society and may be left with Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, which is in charge of arrangements.