Karen Jean Brown, age 82, passed away from this life to the next surrounded by her family at home on February 2, 2023. Karen was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on May 24, 1940 to Henry and Erma Banham.
On October 26, 1973 she was married to the love of her life and best friend Mervin Brown in the Salt Lake Temple. The two of them were inseparable - even working together at the County Recorder's Office until their retirement.
Of all her many jobs in life, her favorite was that of a Mother. Her girls were her pride and joy. Since she was married later in life she only had her 2 daughters but would proclaim that she had "quality not quantity". She happily raised them on homemade bread and bottled peaches. She was a devoted wife and mother.
Even more joy filled her life with the arrival of her grandchildren. They are cherished blessings and in her eyes, can do no wrong.
Karen's life was dedicated to the service of others. You could count on her to take in a meal, bring over a loaf of bread, talk on the phone or visit someone who was in need.
This life of service was magnified during her service as a missionary for her church in both her younger years in England and later in life with her favorite companion, her husband. They served together faithfully and lovingly in the Salt Lake City East Mission, blessing the lives of many young missionaries and others in the process. The love she had for this mission and those she met because of it continued throughout the rest of her life.
Her family itself may seem small, but she was adopted by many as a mom and grandma. She cared for and loved each of these relationships. Because of this, her posterity is large and far reaching. We are so grateful for all of our adopted brothers, sisters and dear friends who truly are family.
Karen served diligently in her church callings throughout the years. She was an influence for many girls in the Young Women's program - most of which are still her best friends. She served as Relief Society President 3 times, saying they asked her to keep doing it until she got it right.
She loved her Savior, Jesus Christ and dedicated her life to following in His footsteps. We have all been greatly blessed by her faithful heart and beautiful example in the gospel.
Karen is survived by her husband, Mervin, daughter Heidi (Brian) Ball and their children Taylor (Andrea), Jordan, Madison and Reagan; Daughter Kellie (John) Dickamore and their children Deserae (Kyle) and Ty, and great grandson Stetson. Sister Cindy (Greg) Shoop and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Erma Banham, Sister, Sharon West, Brothers Ron and Ed Banham, Niece, Krecia Petersen and Nephews David Shoop, Sean Brearton, and Brandon Banham.
Funeral services will begin at 1:30 PM on Friday, February 10, 2023 at the LDS Church located at: 3155 South 900 East, Millcreek Utah. A viewing will be held at the same location Thursday, February 9, 2023 from 6:00-8:00 PM and again starting at 11:30 AM prior to funeral services. Karen will then be laid to rest at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.
What a sweet, loving and caring lady! Sister Brown has the sweetest soul anyone could ever hope to find! We know she will be missed by anyone who knew her, and we send our deepest sympathies to your wonderful family!
I am so sorry for your loss, just layed my Mom to rest a week ago..Hardest thing to do..but knowing I will see her again and not in pain anymore..Thoughts and prayers for your family especially the love of her life Merv...The matching colors in outfits at work were awesome...
Dear Brown Family, we are sending you our love and prayers. It is hard to lose someone so dear. We loved Karen dearly and she is and will be greatly missed. We came to know and love her thirty years ago now when we started out our lives together on Jepson Avenue and in the Springview Ward with her being there through difficult and joyous times even across years and distance made possible through technology. She brought joy and warmth to our lives. Her kindness and love has been a blessing. She was a truly remarkable woman and devoted mother. We will always remember her smile and laugh. We rejoice in knowing where she is at and that she continues to live and love and serve and know she will be near watching over her loved ones until she again embraces them. No doubt she has been a good and faithful servant and has entered into His rest.
Love, Janiece and Todd Sloan
Karen was always so kind and welcoming to our family. She will be missed.
My prayers go with you and your family
I’m so sorry about the death of your wife and mother. She was a special person
Everyone needs an Aunt Karen. She always had a humorous story to share accompanied by a contagious laugh and smile. I loved to listen to her stories and enjoyed her cooking. Karen cherished people and relationships. She leaves a legacy of love and smiles and good memories.
So sorry to here .what a wonderful daughter of heavenly father, you will be missed by all of us ,
Always love you Karen, and your monkey bread, all the Christmas party s,
Mervin, Heidi and Kellie,
My deepest condolences to you and all your family. I hope you find peace and comfort in our Heavenly Fathers plan. While I didn’t have the opportunity to get to know her well, Karen sounded like an amazing woman and example to all who she loved and served and no doubt will be missed in this life.
Luke Brown