Mrs. Maxine Brown

Maxine Brown
November 14, 1929 ~ September 1, 2025
Maxine Tatum Brown, beloved mother, steadfast friend, and a woman of unwavering faith, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2025, in Columbus, Indiana, at the age of 95. Born on November 14, 1929, in Blooming Grove, Texas, Maxine lived a long and meaningful life rooted in devotion to family, faith, and community.
Maxine was the daughter of Ina May Tatum and William (Buck) Tatum. Following her graduation from high school, she completed her secretarial training and, accompanied by her cousin, Billy, moved to Dallas to begin her adult life. These adventurous early years foreshadowed the resilience and courage that would define her path. On January 30, 1952, she married her high school sweetheart, Earl Lester Brown Jr, also from Blooming Grove, Texas, beginning a partnership full of love and devotion that lasted until Earl's passing.
Throughout her life, Maxine's Christian faith was her guiding light. She was baptized early in her adulthood and remained a faithful member of the church of Christ, attending the Brownsburg congregation for many years and later worshiping at Woodland Hills church of Christ in Marion. Her commitment to her faith was evident in her gentle spirit, steadfast optimism, and her ability to offer encouragement and support to everyone she met. Maxine's life was a living testament to the power of quiet courage, deep faith, and determination-qualities that inspired all who knew her.
After Earl's service in the Air Force during the Korean War, the couple moved to College Station, Texas, where Maxine gave support and encouragement as Earl completed his Mechanical Engineering degree at Texas A&M. Their journey led them to Indiana when Earl accepted a position with Bryant Heating and Cooling, and they spent most of their years together in Brownsburg, building friendships and raising their family.
Maxine's greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted mother and grandmother. Her love and wisdom created a legacy that will continue to shape her family's lives for generations to come. In her later years, she resided in assisted living facilities near her son, Larry, where she was deeply grateful for the care and friendships she found at Heritage Point, Autumn Trace, and Traditions communities.
Her loved ones will forever remember her positive spirit and determination to persevere despite the challenges she faced, especially those related to health. Maxine never failed to brighten someone's day with a kind word. Her legacy lies in her ability to model the values of Christian love, encouragement, and hope-offering comfort simply through her presence and her quiet strength.
Maxine was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Lester Brown Jr.; her mother, Ina May Tatum; her father, William "Buck" Tatum; and son-in-law, Douglas Hall.
She will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by her son, Larry Brown; her daughter, Jill Hall; her daughter-in-law, Carol Brown; and grandchildren, Collin Brown (Courtney), Grant Brown, Samantha Hall and Matthew Hall and countless friends and members of her church families.
In every season of her life, Maxine Tatum Brown embodied faith, kindness, and steadfast hope. Her memory will continue to encourage all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at 10:00 am at Grant Memorial Park 1606 W. 26th St., Marion, IN.
Arrangements are entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.