Elsie P. Brown, 96, of 11300 Circle Drive in St. Marys, OH died at 2:06 p.m., Friday, October 1, 2010 at JDTM Hospital in St. Marys, OH

Elsie was born on December 28, 1913 in Trenton, NJ to Joseph Henry and Mary Ann (Barcroft) Palmer.  She was an only child.

She married John A. Brown on November 21 (Thanksgiving Day), 1940 in Akron, OH.  Elsie and John were married for 69 years.  John preceded Elsie in death on January 6, 2010. Elsie was also preceded in death by her parents, and her son-in-law, James H. Folk, Jr.

Elsie is survived by her son, Bob (Susan) Brown of Centerville, OH, daughter, Mary Ann Hollman of Winter Park, FL, daughter, Betty (Harold) Hussey of St. Marys, OH, son, John (Luanne) Brown of Lincoln, NE, son, Tom (Mary) Brown of West Columbia, SC, daughter, Peggy Jo Folk of St. Marys, OH, 10 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren

Elsie’s parents immigrated to the United States from England around 1911.  Elsie graduated Trenton (NJ) High School in 1933.

Elsie was a devoted wife and mother.  She made a successful career of raising, tutoring, and caring for her family.  In 1977, she and John moved to Florida, where they enjoyed retirement before returning to St. Marys in 1999 to live out the remainder of their lives. 

Elsie was a fun loving person who enjoyed being with people, particularly her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She liked to play bridge, work crossword puzzles, and play golf.

Elsie was a long time member of Zion Lutheran Church, and she was a member of the Eastern Star.

Funeral services will be held at noon, Tuesday, October 5, 2010, at Zion Lutheran Church, 210 North Wayne St., St. Marys, OH.  Visitation will be at the Church between 10:00 a.m. and noon.

Memorial contributions may be directed to: Zion Lutheran Church portico fund, JTDM Hospital Foundation or Otterbein Retirement Community benevolence fund.