Barbara Brown

Barbara Avice Brown age 78, of Alma, MI, passed away on Wednesday, December 21, 2016.

At Barbara's request, the family has held a private memorial service.

Barbara was born in Hamtramck, MI on July 3, 1938, the daughter of Howard and Lillian (Richmond) Cottrill. She graduated from St. Louis Public Schools.  On August 2, 1955, Barbara married Ralph Brown in St. Louis. They were married for 25 years and were blessed with 6 children. She retired from Alpha Plastics after many years of service.  She lived most of her life in the Gratiot County area and had a passion for reading and her cat, Chester.  Barbara loved to celebrate Christmas and the 4th of July with her family.

Barbara is survived by 6 children; Sherry (James) Gill of Shreveport, LA, Robert (Karen) Brown of Mt. Pleasant, MI, Sally Brown of Mt. Pleasant, MI, Sharon (Jody) Stearns of Ithaca, MI, John (Sylvia) Brown of Lansing, MI, and James (Alicia) Brown of Alma, MI, 12 grandchildren;  Kara Green, Taylor Green, Jordan Brown, Jasmine Brown, Joshua (Clarissa) Brown, John (Indago) Brown, Justin Brown, Eva Nicole Steele, Kobe Brown, Kerstyn Brown, Trevor Brown, and Sophie Brown, 5 great grandchildren; Kasandra, Estela, Junior, Mila, and Aviana, nephew Bob LaBonville of St. Louis, and great nephew Bryant (Cheryl) LaBonville.  Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and sister Roberta "Aunt Tootie."

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials to be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.  Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, MI.