Myrtle I. Brown, 97, passed away on Sunday morning, May 25, 2025. She was born on November 17, 1927, to the late Dean Jesse Smith and Frances Smith. She was the second child of five children. Her brothers, Arthur Dean Smith and Howard Smith Sr., and a sister Gwendolyn Holmes, all preceded her in death.
She grew up in Topeka and received her education through Topeka public schools. She also received an Honorary Doctorate from Faith Bible College, Kansas City, Missouri. Myrtle worked for Burlington Northern—Santa Fe Railroad until she retired.
Myrtle grew up in a gifted musical family. God anointed them and blessed the family to travel throughout the United States, using their gift of music to glorify and sing praises unto Him. She was known in the church arena as a song bird. She enjoyed singing and writing lyrics. One of the songs she penned was the Kansas State Sunday School Song, which was sung at the annual Churches of God in Christ Convocations.
Myrtle married Oliver Archibald Brown, Jr., December 31, 1963. They were married for 44 years. He preceded her in death on May 11, 2007.
Also preceding her in death on September 22, 2013, was her only daughter, Madelyn Jo Williams. While Madelyn lived out of state for much of her adulthood, she made it her business to come home to check on her mother and do what she could to make her life comfortable, enjoyable and happy.
Mother Brown was a long-time member of First Church of God in Christ. She was a pillar in the Church and supported her Church and Pastor until her passing. She was unselfish and always willing to share whatever she had. Known simply to many of us as Mom Brown, she served as the Sunday School Superintendent (who can remember the annual Church picnics), the Choir President, Choir Director, Church soloist, member of the Sewing Circle, Y.P.W.W., Pastor’s Aid, she taught Bible Band and the four year Menninger Bible Study. Myrtle enjoyed feeding the hungry and clothing the naked.
Remaining to cherish her memory is a sister Phyllis Payden; sister-in-law, LeeAnna Smith; nephews, Howard (Robie), Bruce, and Carlos; nieces, Sheritta, Christi, Natalie, Jolice, Geneva, Wendy, Paula; a loving God-daughter, Joyce Hightower, other relatives, Church family from all denominations and friends.
