Mary Brown
Mary Lea (Ellenbecker) Brown, 78, of Pocahontas, Ark., entered her eternal home on February 23, 2025, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro, Ark.
Mary Lea Brown was born in Athens to Sylvester and Hattie Ellenbecker on December 8, 1946. Mary grew up in a home filled with laughter, hard work and the deep bonds of family—values she carried with her throughout her life. She had a gift for making a house feel like a home, whether through the scent of fresh cinnamon rolls coming from the oven, the fresh vegetables she tended in her garden, or the warmth of a handmade quilt. She was happiest when surrounded by her children and grandchildren, sharing stories, laughter and of course, good food. Her bread-making skills were legendary, and anyone lucky enough to sit at her table was never left hungry. Though Arkansas became home, her heart never strayed far from Wisconsin, where she cherished visiting her large, close-knit family. She found joy in simple things, an afternoon spent sewing, the satisfaction of a well-tended garden, and the love of those around her.
Mary is survived by her loving children: Jeff (Ronda) Brown and Craig Brown of Pocahontas, Jamie (Rhonda) Brown of Jonesboro, and Chris (Carla) Brown of Fayetteville. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Logan (Marissa) Brown, Nicholas (Whitney) Brown, Jamin Brown, Corey Brown, Madison Rash, Isaiah Brown, MaryEllen Brown and Sophia Brown, as well as six great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind stepgrandchildren: Michael Morris and LeAnna Hausman, along with three step-great-grandchildren and two step-great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers and sisters: Rodney (Eileen) Ellenbecker, Kenny (Nancy) Ellenbecker, David Ellenbecker, Shirley (Ferdie) Diethelm, Tommy (Linda) Ellenbecker, Bill (Mary) Ellenbecker, Teresa (John) Heier, Susie Ellenbecker, Jay (Marlene) Ellenbecker, Judy Drexler, Lori (Dale) Gajewski, Ann (Larry) Weigand, Danny (Julie) Ellenbecker and Dean (Angie) Ellenbecker, as well as sisters-in-law: Sherri Brown and Theodora Ellenbecker (Kaiser), and countless nieces and nephews who adored her.
She is now reunited with those who went before her, including her parents, her beloved husband Carl, her grandson Tyler, her brother Sylvester (Skip) Ellenbecker, and cherished in-laws: Jerry Drexler, Charles Brown, Judy Ellenbecker, Letha Brown, Cathy Richey and Elaine Ragan.
Mary’s kindness, unwavering love, and gentle spirit will be deeply missed, but her legacy will live on in the hearts of those who loved her. In her honor, bake something sweet, share a meal with family, and hold your loved ones close.
Visitation was held from 5-7 p.m. with the rosary at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, in the McNabb Funeral Home Chapel, 2129 Park St., Pocahontas, Ark. 72455. A funeral Mass was held Saturday, March 1, 2025, at noon at St. Paul Catholic Church with burial to follow in the Chesser Cemetery.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers were Logan Brown, Nicholas Brown, Corey Brown, Isaiah Brown, Todd Diethelm, Paul Ellenbecker.
Paid obituary 166167
