Martha "Laurie" Lawrence Brown

1952 - 2020

Martha Lawrence “Laurie” (Slaughter) Brown was born Jan. 18, 1952 in Lebanon, IN to Charles E. and Mary Lane (Hubbell) Slaughter and ended her earthly journey to return home with her Lord on Apr.16, 2020. 

 

Laurie was a 1970 graduate of Lebanon High School and attended Purdue University where she majored in Early Childhood Education. While at Purdue, she was an active member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority and remained active throughout her life. She was a very proud Boilermaker and while her son, Chad, was a football player and later coach for Purdue, she was present at most games and was well renowned for her ability to host some of the finest tailgate parties West Lafayette has ever seen.  

 

Laurie was very active in the Lebanon community. Her memberships included Ulen Country Club and Psi Iota Xi Sorority. She followed in the footsteps of her parents and grandparents as an active congregant of Otterbein United Methodist Church. Laurie was most recently employed at the Pavilion Boutique of Witham Hospital. She was proud to help cancer patients feel good about their journey and was a certified fitter by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics. 

 

Laurie’s proudest accomplishments were her sons and grandchildren. She was an avid supporter of everything that her sons, Chad and Nathan, were involved in. While it was easier to attend college events for Chad at Purdue University; she, nonetheless, made frequent trips to see her son Nathan both at Texas Christian University and at Vanderbilt University.

 

Laurie was also a devoted daughter, grandmother, sister, and aunt. She was the constant cheerleader for her small family, and for her extended family. She loved cheering on her grandchildren at their sporting events and dances. When her parents began to age and had difficulty being on their own, Laurie moved in to help them. Family was the focal point of Laurie’s life. 

 

Laurie joins in heaven her beloved parents, Charles E. and Mary Lane (Hubbell) Slaughter as well as a granddaughter, Caroline Brown. She is survived by her loving family, including her son Chad Q. (wife, Jennifer) Brown and their children, Emily M., Dylan B., and Elise L. of Lafayette, IN; and son Rev. Dr. Nathan C. (wife, Rev. Marion) Brown and their children Harrison C. and Clara A. of Atlanta, GA. Additionally, she leaves behind her brother, C. Lane (wife, Carolyn) Slaughter of Plainfield, IN; and nephew, Chase H. Slaughter of Plainfield, IN; and former spouse, Ben Brown of Seymour, IN.

 

A memorial service will be at 3 p.m. July 2 outside of Otterbein United Methodist Church, 804 S. Lebanon St., Lebanon, to celebrate her life. The family will receive visitors following the service until 5 p.m.

 

Laurie's family and friends will gather for a time of worship at 3 p.m. followed by a time of visitation until 5 p.m. in the church parking lot. The outdoor area will allow attendees to drive into the parking lot and stay in their cars if they choose or park and visit in person at a safe social distance. All of Laurie's immediate family will be on-site to visit with everyone, either in person or by vehicle. 

 

Donations in Laurie’s memory can be made to the Otterbein United Methodist Church or to the Witham Health Services Foundation.  

 

Strawmyer & Drury Mortuary, Lebanon, has been entrusted with Laurie’s arrangements. You are invited to visit www.strawmyerdury.com where you may sign her online register and leave a personal message.