Judy Kay Brown

IN MEMORY OF: Judy Kay Brown Serving Location: CRAIN FUNERAL HOME – DONGOLA 106 NW Front Street, Dongola, Illinois Judy Kay Brown, 79, passed away on September 11, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Judy was born May 13, 1947, to Charles and Betty (McDonald) Thornton. She grew up in Southern Illinois and graduated from Anna-Jonesboro High School in 1965. She continued her education at Vocational Technical Institute (VTI), where she earned a secretarial degree, and at Shawnee College, where she studied accounting. On December 8, 1967, Judy married Wayne Brown at New Hope Baptist Church in Lick Creek, Illinois. Together, they shared nearly 59 years of marriage and raised two children, Becky and Jeff. Judy’s varied working life reflected her many abilities and interests. Over the years, she worked in a number of different settings and even operated a greenhouse and bait shop. Her career culminated in nearly 20 years at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, where she served in several roles, including work in the Dean of Sociology’s office, accounting, and the President’s Office. For Judy, however, her greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who loved being surrounded by those closest to her. She was an excellent cook, enjoyed flowers and gardening, and seldom met a crossword puzzle she did not want to solve. Judy was a woman of deep Christian faith and a member of First Baptist Church in Dongola, Illinois. Her faith was expressed not only in what she believed but also in the ways she served others, including her work with the church’s food pantry. Judy is survived by her husband, Wayne Brown; her daughter, Becky (Chris) Ritter; her son, Jeff (Kim) Brown; seven grandchildren, Hannah, Isaac, Sarah (Bill), Samuel, Jacob, Steven, and Micah; her sister, Sue Treece; her brother, Jim Thornton; and other family members and friends who will cherish her memory. Judy will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her deep faith, her capable hands and active mind, her love of growing things, and the many ways she cared for those around her. Her family is grateful for the life they shared with her and for the love she gave so freely. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 11:00 AM Rev. Mike Cole officiating at Crain Funeral Home in Dongola. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Interment will follow the service at St. John’s Cemetery in Dongola. The family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Dongola. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Crain Funeral Home in Dongola is in charge of arrangements.

Judy Kay Brown

May 13, 1947 - September 11, 2026