Earlene F. Brown

After a hard-fought battle with Multiple Myeloma, Earlene F. Brown of Jonesboro, Indiana defeated life’s final enemy and is now enjoying the rewards of a life well lived. She left behind her pain and suffering on Wednesday July 1, 2020 at the age of 76. Those left to cherish her memory are her beloved husband Paul L. Brown and her daughter Paula Gayle (Mark) McKnight.

Earlene was born in Peach Orchard, Missouri on Christmas Eve, December 24th, 1943 to Luther and Ruby Alma (Box) Wilkerson who both preceded her in death. She grew up in a large family with 6 sisters and 2 brothers. There wasn’t a lot of money but there was plenty of love and laughter for everyone. Earlene grew up working hard. She picked cotton from the time she was a young girl. Her dad once said that she was a good girl and never gave him a bit of trouble.

When Earlene met Paul Brown she told her friend right away that he was the guy she was going to marry. But, she made him ask her 3 times before she actually accepted his proposal. Paul and Earlene lived for many years in Fairmount, Indiana where they raised their 2 children, Paula Gayle and Darrin Lynn. She was heartbroken to lose Darrin to cancer when he was only 36. And we know thy are delighted to be together again. He was always a momma’s boy.

Earlene never thought of her self as smart or a leader but in this one thing, she was wrong. She had more common sense than almost anyone I’ve ever known. She was a well respected and very loved pastor’s wife who wasn’t afraid to tell those she loved that they needed to get saved and serve the Lord whom she loved more than anything.

Earlene is survived by her husband Paul, her daughter Paula (Mark) McKnight, her grandchildren, Brandon McKnight, Ashley (Dan) Frank, Dustin McKnight, Evan McKnight, Darrin (Ellie) Brown 2nd, Heather (Duane) Darland and 15 great grandchildren. She is also survived by 2 brothers, Robert (Jan) Wilkerson, Frank Wilkerson, 6 sisters, Shirley (Bill) Lee, Carolyn Ballard, Linda (Wayne) Coppock, Brenda Shutters, Debbie Bartholomew and her sister and best friend Patty (Dave) Jones.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Luther and Ruby Wilkerson and her beloved son Darrin Brown.

Family only visitation will start at 10:00 a.m. on Monday July 6, 2020 at the Jonesboro Friends Church. Friends will be welcomed from 11:00 – 1:00 and the funeral service will begin at 1:00 p. m. in the Jonesboro Friends Church sanctuary.

The family would like to especially thank all of our friends and family who have been so kind to us during our time of grief.