Barbara Brown
MORTON - Barbara K. "Barb" Brown, 78, of Morton passed away Monday, Aug. 27, 2018, at her residence.
Barb was born on Jan. 10, 1940, in Peoria to Kenneth W. and Edith (Lowry) Black. She married Robert W. Brown on Jan. 3, 1960, in Indianapolis, Ind. He preceded her in death on Feb. 6, 2009.
Surviving are three sons, Robert (Sarah) Brown of Washington, Martin (Julie) Brown of Eagle, Idaho, and David (Suzanne) Brown of Morton; one daughter, Katherine (Scott) Bowers of Oro Valley, Ariz.; and eight grandsons, Steffan Brown, Mitchell (Mandy) Brown, Walker Brown, Andrew Brown, Anthony Brown, Hunter Brown, Jonathon Bowers and Andrew Bowers. She is also survived by two brothers, Kenneth L. (Carolyn) Black of Washington and Bruce W. (Pat) Black of Denver, Colo.
Barb graduated from Washington High School in 1958, where she was homecoming queen her senior year and captain of the cheerleading squad. After high school, she attended Bradley University and was a member of the Chi Omega sorority. She returned to Bradley University, after raising her family, to finish a bachelor's degree in 1975, and later attained a master's degree in 1991.
While her children were completing their education, she held various positions, including substitute teacher in the Morton schools. Barb later returned to Bradley University in a professional role in Alumni Relations and retired as Director of Development for her college.
A lifelong resident of central Illinois, Barb believed in giving back to the community she loved. She put that belief into action by giving of her time and her resources, supporting and serving on boards and committees of too many organizations to name. Barb also enjoyed dedicating her time to the Chi Omega sorority throughout her adult life.
She was a lifelong member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Washington, where she faithfully served on numerous committees and offices.
Visitation will be held on Friday, Aug. 31, 2018, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton. An additional visitation will take place Saturday, Sept. 1, from 10 to 10:45 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m., at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Washington, with Pastor John Bates officiating. Burial will be at Hirstein Cemetery in Morton.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Morton Community Foundation.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.knappjohnson.com.

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Published by Peoria Journal Star from Aug. 29 to Aug. 31, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Brown

Sponsored by Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Center - Morton.

8 Entries

September 12, 2018

Prayers for her family George T. McBride

September 1, 2018

I extend my condolences and appreciation. Barb touched so many lives and she will continue to impact our lives.. Her presence brought a feeling of love and comfort.

August 30, 2018

My condolences to the family. Continue to rely on God and know that he hears prayers,Isaiah 59:1.

Sue Essig

August 30, 2018

My heart is broken. Such a lovely woman. My condolences to you all.

Ruth and Rich Phillips

August 30, 2018

I will always remember Barbs warm smile and out going personality.. She was a devoted wife and mother. We are so sorry for your loss.

August 29, 2018

Family, I am so so sorry about Barb's passing. I remember Barb so well - worked with her at Bradley in Development for at least 10 years - Barb was such a lady, could always talk to Barb about issues and you knew it stayed with her. Barb was my sounding board while at BU. We exchanged Christmas cards after Barb retired from BU and we were always going to meet for lunch. Always remember Barb was very special and never seemed to want praise for anything, it was always someone else that deserved the credit. To name a few in the development department, that I remember working with Barb - Kent Huntsman; who did leave BU for a job in Texas, I believe; Karl Taylor Morton, Jerry Heller Metamora, Curt Leroy Peoria, Jana Caudle W Peoria. My heart goes out to each of you. Your mother/sister was beautiful in every way and when Bob passed, Barb was devastated. Not sure I will be able to make the visitation Friday but always know you all are in my prayers. Fondly, Nancy Buchert Toulon, IL.