Susan Brown

Susan Brown, 65, passed away on January 31, 2026. Born on August 7, 1960, she entered a world that would be immeasurably enriched by her kindness, generosity, and unwavering spirit. She was the daughter of the late Dennis Christopher Ellis and Donna Jean Osborn, whose love, guidance, and values shaped her early life and remained with her throughout her journey.

Susan served her country with dedication during her time in the United States Air Force, demonstrating the same resilience, commitment, and sense of duty that would define her life as a wife, mother, and friend. Her years of military service were followed by decades of devotion to her family as she and her husband moved many times in support of his 20-year Air Force career. Wherever they lived, Susan created a home that was steady, welcoming, and rooted in love.

She married Paul 18 Dec 1982. At the Washington DC temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was the beloved and devoted wife of Paul Vern Brown for 43 years. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and service. Their marriage was filled with countless adventures, shared sacrifices, and deep companionship.

Susan was the proud mother of six children, each of whom she cherished with her whole heart: Samuel Vern Brown (Susan Juline LoForte); Melissa Jean Brown; the late Cynthia Elaine Brown (Dillon Shane Meche); Andrew Dennis Brown (Kristi Kaye Nelson); Rebecca Ann Duke (Daniel William Duke); and Emily Elizabeth Brown. Her children were the center of her world, and she poured herself into their lives with intention, encouragement, and love.

She is also survived by two brothers, and a sister. Donna Dennise Ellis, Leonard DeWayne Ellis, and Derek Christopher Ellis (Lori Ann Baker). And ten Grandchildren: Adam Vern Brown, Anastasia Marie Brown, Iris Jane Brown, Aidan Thomas Dower, Nathaniel Logan Wagoner, Alana Rose Wagoner, Nova Dean Brown, Harlowe Jean Brown, Brendan Anthony Duke, and Austin Tyler Duke

A dedicated homemaker, Susan homeschooled her children for many years, working tirelessly to give them both structure and warmth. She believed in routine, responsibility, learning, and community. Her home was filled with laughter, support, and quiet strength that made her the anchor of her family.

A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Susan valued the Church and relied on the Saviors teachings to guide her family. Throughout her life, she served in many callings, including Relief Society President, Primary President, and teacher, offering her time, compassion, and leadership wherever she was needed.

Susan’s love language was generosity expressed in small, meaningful ways. She had a remarkable gift for remembering birthdays, holidays, and special moments, often offering thoughtful cards, handwritten notes, or little gifts that made others feel seen and valued. These simple acts of care were among the most beautiful expressions of her love.

Throughout her life, Susan faced significant health and emotional challenges. Those who knew her well understood the weight she carried, yet they also witnessed her quiet strength, resilience, and determination. Even in hardship, she kept going—for her family, for her faith, and for the people she loved.

Susan held a deep and enduring love for her daughter Cynthia, who preceded her in death. The loss of her daughter, Cynthia Elaine Brown, was a profound sorrow that remained with her always. Yet Susan’s perseverance and grace helped carry her family through their darkest days. Her love for Cynthia, and for all her children, was deep and enduring.

Susan lived a life full of movement, discovery, and curiosity. She loved walking the beach during her years in California and Florida, finding peace in the sound of the waves and the feel of sand beneath her feet. She traveled the world by cruise ship and often spoke fondly of her time living in Japan, England, and Germany. Both her father Dennis and her husband Paul retired from the US Air Force. So, like many in her family, she moved often throughout her childhood and adult life, embracing each new place with openness and courage.

Family history was one of her greatest passions. She and her father, Dennis, spent countless hours exploring their ancestry. She knew the importance of connecting families from generation to generation. What began as a work of love for those ancestors who had gone before became a bridge that brought them closer, healed old wounds, and formed a deep appreciation for their sacrifices and faith. This love of genealogy also connected deeply to her faith, especially her belief in temple, or proxy ordinances for her deceased ancestors. She approached this work with reverence and purpose.

Susan enjoyed sewing, even if she often joked that she wasn’t very good at it. She cherished memories of her grandmother sewing clothes for her Barbie dolls, and she passed that love on by teaching her own children. Music held a special place in her heart as well. She encouraged her children’s musical pursuits — Cindy in choir, Andy in playing the trumpet in high school and the cello in adulthood. Samuel, Rebecca, and Emily at the piano — finding joy in their talents and expressions.

She was an avid reader, especially of mysteries, and could often be found with a book in hand. In high school, she participated in several clubs, including track. She kept pins from those days and treasured them as reminders of her strength and capability, especially as she navigated health challenges later in life.

As a homemaker, Susan created more than a household, she created a sanctuary. Her warmth filled every room, her laughter lifted every spirit, and her presence made every gathering feel like home. She was the family’s anchor, their steady place to land, and the heart of countless treasured moments.

Susan embodied many roles: mother, daughter, wife, child, sibling, friend. Each person who loved her carries a unique perspective of who she was and what she meant to them. Her legacy is woven from all these memories — the big ones, the quiet ones, and the ones still being shared.

Susan leaves behind a legacy defined by love, devotion, deep faith, and quiet strength, and she will be profoundly missed by her husband, children, extended family, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be remembered for her unwavering commitment to her family, her generous spirit, and the lasting imprint she made on every life she touched. Her spirit will continue to live on in the lives she shaped, the stories she inspired, and the love and service she so freely gave, a legacy that will forever resonate in the hearts of those blessed to be part of her life. She will be Forever in our Hearts.

A Funeral Service will be held February 17, 2026, at 11:30 AM with a Viewing from 10:30 to 11:30 AM at Shannon Funeral Homes, Town Chapel 1015 14th St West, Bradenton, FL 34205

May she rest in peace, reunited in love with her Parents, and her beautiful daughter Cynthia.