Marlene Brown

On June 4th, 2022, Marlene Fern Talley Brown — beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother — passed away peacefully at her home in Munford, Tennessee at the age of 88. She was born in Gilt Edge, Tennessee on November 7, 1933 to parents George and Thelma Talley. Marlene was raised on a farm, where she learned from an early age to work hard, love deeply, and devote herself to God. Her relationship with God began at the Gilt Edge Church of Christ. She was born into that Church, grew up in that Church, was baptized into Christ in that Church, and eventually married the love of her life in that Church. Throughout her life, Marlene remained a dedicated servant of God and His Church. She was a faithful member of the Covington Church of Christ. In addition to supporting many activities and groups within the Church, Marlene taught the children’s class in Sunday School and helped with Vacation Bible School — she loved kids. Marlene had four siblings, Hazel Mooneyham, Verbil Talley, Beryl Smith and Glen Talley. She was blessed with a close-knit family and had many nephews and nieces. Marlene is preceded in death by her parents as well as her siblings and their spouses, with the exception of Beryl Smith of Tipton County. Marlene was well loved by all of her nieces and nephews and was also lovingly referred to as “Aunt Marlene” by many others, to whom she was not related by blood or marriage. As a girl, Marlene attended Gilt Edge Elementary and then Munford High School where she met and fell in love with Frank Allon Brown. They dated throughout high school and were married on June 20th, 1953, at the age of 19. Marlene spent 69 years as Frank’s devoted and loving wife, and best friend. Marlene was also a devoted and loving mother to her two sons, Frank A. Brown, Jr. and Mark E. Brown. Marlene devoted herself to cultivating a supportive and nurturing home for her family. She was a wonderful mom to her boys, and loved them unconditionally. Marlene passed on her deep faith and strong work ethic to her sons. She always encouraged them to pursue a relationship with God, treasure family, and surround themselves with the type of friends who would inspire them to be good men and faithful husbands and fathers. Marlene knew the value of an education and always supported Frank and Mark in their scholastic pursuits — she was extremely proud when they both graduated from the University of Tennessee with doctorate degrees in Pharmacology. As a true Farmer’s daughter, Marlene had a life-long love for gardening. She was also a fantastic chef and baker. One of her greatest pleasures (a pleasure often shared by those in attendance) was to watch how quickly her casseroles and desserts were eaten at Church potlucks. They were usually the first to go. Marlene loved the holiday season and gathering with friends and family. She always managed to delight with her homemade bread and candy (she had a bit of a sweet tooth.) Later in life, Marlene became an excellent artist and loved to paint and craft. She was especially good with a crochet needle, and would often make gifts for family and friends. A favorite memory will always be Marlene’s hand-painted Holiday shirts and hand-crafted jewelry that she designed for every season. Marlene is survived by her beloved husband of 69 years, Frank A. Brown Sr.; her sons, Frank Brown Jr. and wife Martha, and Mark Brown and wife Kathleen; her grandchildren, Meredith Condon and husband Chris, Alex Brown and wife Ali, Erin Brown, and Maggie Brown, and her great-grandchildren Kyle, Caroline, and Clara Condon. Marlene knew, through her faith in things unseen and by the grace provided by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that death was not to be feared, but rather would be her ultimate victory. In the end, she was not fearful, but instead, she looked forward to a perfect and eternal life with God. Marlene Fern Brown’s memorial and celebration of a life well-lived will be held at the Covington Church of Christ on Saturday, June 11, 2022 at 11am. Interment will follow in Magnolia Gardens Cemetery. Visitation for friends and family will be held on Friday, June 10th, from 5pm until 7pm at Covington Funeral Home. If you would like to make donations in memory of Ms. Marlene and her love for the Church, the family asks that donations be sent to: Covington Church of Christ 1690 Highway 51 S Covington, TN 38019