Shirley Ann Brown

Shirley Ann Brown, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2025.

Born on June 21, 1934, in Branchville, Maryland, Shirley lived a full life. The sparkle in her eyes was never the same after the loss of her husband, who was truly the love of her life. Shirley, over the years, lovingly turned each house into a comforting haven for her family through many moves from the East coast throughout the Midwest. She was a gifted homemaker with a love of cooking and baking. In her kitchen the aroma of a home cooked meal always brought her family together at the table. Later in their lives, Shirley and Jim enjoyed their retirement years together, relocating to Lake Wales, Florida.

After her husband passed away, Shirley moved back to Indiana, closer to both of her sons and their families. It was here that she found comfort in the simple joys of life and cherished the quiet beauty of nature.

Shirley is preceded in death by her late husband, James Robert “JR” Brown, parents Effie and Clifford Hale , biological father Thomas Smith, who passed away when Shirley was 4 years old, sister Betty Sue, grandson Greg and great grandson Josiah.

Shirley leaves behind a loving family including her four children: Jim (Mary) Brown of Indiana, Carolyn Brown of Pennsylvania, Kathleen Burge (Kevin) of Florida, and Bob (Joy) Brown of Indiana; nine grandchildren: Michael, Candy, Charlotte, Bill, Carla, Jaime, Nathan, Maryalice, and Josh; six great grandchildren children: Bryan, Adam, Landen, Elias, Madeline, and Fenwyn and sister, Catherine Beall.

In this time of loss, Shirley’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who touched her life.