Mary Brown

(From Parker Mortuary)

Mary Caroline Brown, age 85 of Joplin, passed away on Saturday, December 24, 2016 at Spring River Christian Village in Joplin where she has lived the last several years.

Mary was born on March 1, 1931 in San Angelo, Texas to the late William R. Carter and Marjorie E. Snyder Carter. In her early years, Mary attended Pittsburg Teacher's College and became a teacher in Butler, Missouri. Later she went to work for Kingdom House in St. Louis, then the Missouri Division of Family Services as a Social Worker and Supervisor, in St. Louis and Joplin, retiring after 26 years of service. She returned to school late in her career to get her Master's Degree from Pittsburg State University and then worked as a professional counselor for children. She helped thousands of children and their families and coordinated many state and private adoptions throughout her years of service.

Mary was a member of many organizations, including The Order of Eastern Star, Daughters of The Revolution, and the Tri-State Iris Society. She was also a longtime member of First Christian Church of Joplin.

She met her husband, Joe L. Brown at Sherwood Forest Camp near St. Louis, Missouri, while both helping with children in need. They were married on May 31, 1964 in St. Louis and he preceded her in death on May 29, 2011.

Survivors include a son, Joseph Brown and wife, Kathy of Joplin; grandchildren, Qwyntnn Patton, Blake Brown and Ethan Brown, all of Joplin; great grandchildren, Kaydence and Mallory Patton; nieces and nephews.

Other than her parents, Mary was preceded in death by a grandchild, Leighton Brown; brother, William R. Carter, II, and a sister, Judith Wynhausen.

A memorial service will take place at a later date and inurnment will follow at Quaker Valley Cemetery in Riverton, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Sherwood Forest Camp in care of the mortuary.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.