Nancy Ann Applewhite Brown, age 89, of Lindale, Texas, formerly of Brownstown, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at Baylor Scott-White Medical Center in Grapevine, Texas, with her daughter by her side.
Nancy was a member of First Baptist Church in Lindale, Texas, and a former member of First Baptist Church Naples, and Brownstown Christian Church.
Nancy worked as an office assistant at Edward Jones in Bonita Springs, Florida. Following her tenure there, Nancy focused on helping her community by serving as a volunteer coordinator at the First Presbyterian Church in Bonita Springs. Her efforts touched many lives through her compassion and dedication. Nancy's commitment to her community extended beyond her professional and volunteer work, as she was an active member of Brownstown Tri-Kappa and the Jackson County Democrats. In 1966, Nancy's community spirit was recognized when she was crowned Sesquicentennial Queen, an honor that reflected her dedication to her hometown and its heritage.
Beyond her commitments, Nancy had a passion for Indiana University basketball, a love that she shared with family and friends alike. Her hobbies also included solving jigsaw puzzles, playing Euchre, spending countless hours watching the Game Show Network, and being with her family.
Born on July 4, 1935, in Seymour, Nancy was the daughter of James Riley Applewhite and Mary Aletha Hall, both of whom preceded her in death. On August 2, 1984, in Naples, Florida, she married Russell Brown, Jr., and he preceded her in death on March 29, 2003. Nancy was born and raised in Brownstown and raised her three daughters there. She later moved to Naples, Florida, where she resided for over thirty years. Being born on the 4th of July, Nancy always thought all the parades and fireworks were for her birthday.
Survivors include two daughters: Cindy (Jim Hall) Bowman of Grapevine, Texas, and Rachel (Mike) Combs of Lindale, Texas; grandchildren: Tracey Sweeney, Lori (Ryan) Genth, Brooke (Greg Brock) Wray, Chris (Natalye) Combs, Ryan Combs, and Jordan (Kelsey) Elser; great-grandchildren: Drew (Toni) Burnside, Keadyn (Kyra) Sweeney, Carson Burnside, Myka Keltz, Isaac Genth, Madelyn Elser, and Steven Elser; great-great-grandchildren: Kohen Burnside, Audrey Burnside, and Kamari Aletha Sweeney; step-grandchildren: Adam (Amanda) Slaydon, Chad Genth, Gabby Genth, and Nathan Feuquay; one step-great-grandchild, Abel Slaydon; one half-brother, J. Scott Applewhite; one step-brother, Benji Lewis; and bonus daughters: Mary Lou Grider, Nancy Ellen Manuel, Sally Waterhouse, Teresa McClure, and Julie Cathey.
Nancy was also preceded in death by one daughter, Aletha Bowman Wray; one granddaughter, Stacey Rae Sweeney; and two brothers: Thomas Dean Applewhite and Ralph Eugene Applewhite.
A celebration of Life for Nancy (Applewhite) Brown will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc. with Pastor Bill Lockman officiating. Friends may call from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Brownstown. Following the burial, friends and family are welcome to gather for a celebration reception at WR Ewing.
Memorials may be given to Brownstown Christian Church, Lindale Baptist Church Building Fund, or Aletha Applewhite Prayer Garden c/o Brownstown Presbyterian Church.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the caring staff at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc.
Online memorials and condolences may be given at www.spurgeonfh.com