Lillian Brown
Lillian Brown, age 75, of Nevada, formerly of Harpers Ferry, passed away peacefully October 22, 2023 surrounded by her family after a long battle with cancer. A visitation will be held November 4 from 10:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. with a Celebration of Life Service beginning at 12 p.m. at the Fayette County Fairgrounds Dance Pavilion, 504 South Vine Street, West Union.
Lillian Mae Brown was born July 31, 1948 to Paul and Agnes (Stodolny) Culbertson in Chicago, IL. She was the oldest of her siblings, Wayne, Karen and Darrell. Lillian attended public school in the Chicago area, then graduated from Ippolito School of Cosmetology.
Lillian met Jerry Brown at a carnival the summer of 1968 and it was love at first sight. They were united in marriage November 2, 1968 in Chicago, IL. Together, they had three children, Cathy, Tina and James. The family moved to West Union in 1976 where Jerry and Lillian began their career working at Atwood.
Jerry and Lillian retired to Harpers Ferry, where they owned and operated Brown’s Riverside Court and Marina. Through their business, they made many lifelong friends. Lillian delighted in spending countless hours in the sun, walking barefooted on the Mississippi River beach, and sometimes tagging along with Jerry in the boat. She enjoyed bowling, collecting kerosene lanterns, vacationing to Mercer, WI, spending time with family, spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, traveling to casinos with Jerry and gambling.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Agnes; her brother, Wayne Culbertson; and her daughter, Tina Brown. Lillian is survived by her husband of 54 years, Jerry; her daughter, Cathy (Doug) Harris of Nevada; Joey Ameling (companion of Tina Brown); her son, James (Shannon) Brown of Elgin; her brother, Darrell (Carole) Culbertson of Melrose Park, IL; her sister, Karen (Ron) Kmiec of Melrose Park, IL; her sister-in-law, Donna Culbertson of Gurnee, IL; eight grandchildren, Jenifer (Lance) Ackerman, Michael Harris, and Dakota (Jessica), Lorissa, Timmy, Anna, Mason and Olivia Brown; and four great-grandchildren, Avery, Illah, Etta and Brayan.
Adams Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences and photos may be left for Lillian’s family at www.adamssoderstrum.com. Cards may be sent to 63855 250th Street, Nevada, IA 50201.
