Zella Ann Anderson Brown “Ann” was a proud Robertson County native.
During most of her nearly 89 years, she was the loving and supportive spouse of Richard Eugene Brown, who served the United States Army as a Command Sargent Major. During their 65 years together, they called many posts home, including stays in Germany, California, Texas, and Ft. Knox, Kentucky. Their travels and Vietnam deployments would not have been possible without Ann’s strength and unwavering commitment to family. Her contributions to our nation as a military spouse were significant. Upon retirement, they returned to Greenbrier.
Ann was also proud of and greatly enjoyed being a mother of three, a grandmother of five, and a great-grandmother of three. As her family tree grew, she reveled in the development of each member of her growing family, and she took great joy in being actively involved in their lives. Her grandchildren appropriately knew her as “Honey”.
For many years, Ann was an active member of Greenbrier Baptist Church and the Greenbrier Historical Society, both of which she greatly enjoyed. She was an avid and very knowledgeable fan of professional tennis, and she was quick to quote current statistics for Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic.
She also loved the Hallmark Channel, and she watched every movie. This past year, Ann resided at Morningside of Springfield where she was surrounded by many friends dating back to high school. She became known there for her ministry to others, her acute memory, and her quick wit. She greatly enjoyed her time at Morningside and took part in many activities, including exercise and trivia contests.
Ann was predeceased by her husband, Richard E. Brown; her parents, John and Jewel Anderson; brother John Anderson, Jr.; and sister Reba Johnson.
Ann is survived by her children, Mike Brown, Judi Smith (Paul), and Tim Brown (Sandy); grandchildren Gentry Smith (Brennen), Kelsey Pentecost (Jake), Nate Smith (Katie), Abbey Brown, John Raymond Brown (Taylor); great-grandchildren, Paul Smith IV, Warren Brown, and Florie Smith. She is also survived by her beloved Alabama family and many of her first cousins.
Ann had an inoperable aortic aneurism which ruptured during the night, and she died peacefully under the care of Hospice at Northcrest Hospital in Springfield. She was lovingly surrounded by immediate family until her last breath.
A visitation beginning at 10:00 and a 1:00 memorial service will be held on December 22nd at Austin and Bell Funeral Home in Greenbrier. If so moved, donations may be made to The Eastern Star (Greenbrier Chapter), the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, or a charity of your choice.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements.
AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME-509 WALNUT STREET, SPRINGFIELD, TN (615) 384-1000 https://www.austinandbell.com
For more obituaries visit https://robertsoncountysource.com/obituaries/
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