Evelyn "Erelene" Brown

Evelyn Erelene Brown, 92, of New Palestine, passed away on August 20, 2025 in Indianapolis.

Erelene was born in Orange County near Taswell, Indiana to Odos and Dessie Gilliatt on July 13, 1933. She was a graduate of French Lick High School. Erelene went on to get a teaching degree from Oakland City College and a Master's from Indiana University. She married Lester Brown in 1954. Erelene started her teaching career in Paoli, IN and then at Pleasant Run Elementary in Warren Township until retiring in 1991. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and Alpha Kappa (teaching sororities). She was a member of New Palestine United Methodist Church and prior to that of Old Bethel United Methodist Church. She was very active in United Methodist Women.

She is survived by Lester, her husband of 71 years, her children Beth (Greg) Rominger and Brad Brown, her grandchildren, Rachel (Zach) Dougherty, Adam (Mary) Rominger, and Sarah (Jack) McGee, and her great-grandchildren Rory Rominger and Martin Dougherty.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Yvonne Hudson and brother Edward Gilliatt.

Her family was the light of her life. She enjoyed crafts, reading, quilting, painting, bible study, and crossword puzzles. She and Lester also enjoyed traveling across the U.S. and abroad.

Calling will be held at Crown Hill Mortuary on September 5, 2025 from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm. The funeral will follow at 2:00 pm with Pastor Bob McMillen, officiating. Burial will follow at Crown Hill Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the American Diabetes Association.