Norma Lee Brown

1932 - 2025

Norma Lee Brown, 93, of Carthage, Ill., passed away peacefully on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, at 6:30 a.m. at Memorial Hospital in Carthage with family at her side.
Norma was born on May 13, 1932, at home in rural Astoria. She was the daughter of Sheldon and Ruby (Webb) Stremmel. Norma graduated from Farmington High School in 1950. On Dec. 22, 1951, Norma was united in marriage to Charles D. Brown in Canton.
Norma is survived by her children, Barton (Mary) Brown of Canton, and Stacey Sparrow of Carthage; her sons-in-law, David Prior of Carthage, and Bill Geissler of Basco; her brother, Roger Stremmel of Canton; her sisters-in-law, Phyllis Stremmel of Canton, Billie Stremmel of Toluca, Hazel Brown of Farmington, and Judy Brown of Canton; her grandchildren, Chris (Jen) Murphy, Jason (Aurora) Ballard, Erika (Chauncey) Redding, Adam (Betty) Sparrow, Brittany (Andy) King, Kayla Prior, Taryn (John) Vincent, and Trey (Leah Ridgeway) Geissler; 16 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Charles Brown, her daughters, Teresa Geissler, and Sheila Prior, her son-in-law, Dave Sparrow, her brothers, Richard and Dennis Stremmel, as well as numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law.
In her earlier years Norma worked at the Overall Factory in Canton until she was needed to stay home to raise her four children. As the children grew older, she worked in the Canton School District cafeteria as a server for a few years. During this time, she also served as a timekeeper for the Fulton County Silver Gloves Boxing Association for competition fights. Norma and her husband raised many horses and attended countless horse shows throughout her lifetime. She loved helping her husband in his wood shop, sanding, staining and finishing their beautiful furniture and home décor. Later in life, she spent time as a daycare provider.
Norma was an avid gardener and loved her flowers. She always had big gardens and beautiful flower beds. She loved knitting and crocheting and made many blankets for family members. Norma also loved making crafts and ceramics. She was a loving mother and devoted wife, always taking care of the children and supporting her husband. She was the glue that held everything together. She enjoyed nothing more than spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Many will remember her sharp and picture-perfect memory. Norma never knew a stranger.
Norma loved the church and was very strong in her faith. She was a member of Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church near Astoria for many years. After moving from Canton to Carthage, Norma routinely attended Providence Primitive Baptist Church. She was also a member of the Carthage Newcomers Club for numerous years.
Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 10, with a funeral service to be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage with burial to follow at Moss Ridge Cemetery in Carthage.
A memorial fund has been established. Printy Funeral Home is handling arrangements.