Karen Elaine Brown (nee Harrell), was born in St. Charles Missouri on July 26, 1948, the first of four daughters of Melvin and Wilhemina Harrell. She graduated from Troy Buchanan high school in 1966 and studied at Lindenwood College. during her career at Contel/Verizon. Karen was a beloved sister, aunt, mother, and friend. She passed away July 9, 2024 at the age of 75 at St. Luke's Hospital in Chesterfield, Missouri after a long struggle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her husband of 34 years, Douglas E Brown, of Wright City, Missouri.

She was inspiring and loved by all, including…Sisters: Connie Davis, Terry Carriker (Roger), Tracie Harrell-Webb,Sons...MIke Brown (Becky), John Brown (Teresa) Granddaughters: Kayla Hawkins (Sawyer), Lindsey Smith (Kyle), Lauren and Sophia Brown. Nephews & niece: Chris Hart (Jenn), Alex Davis (Angie), Ben Davis (Jennifer), Abbie Harrell-Webb Great nieces and nephews: Elizabeth Davis, Graham Davis, Olivia Davis, Barrett Davis, Cooper Hart, Parker Hart.

Karen started her career at Moscow Mills MFA Grain Elevator, where she used her farming knowledge and bookkeeping skills to support the farming community. There were usually some good stories at the dinner table about some of the farmers' antics of the day, along with updates on grain prices, because that was long before Google! She and her husband owned Douglas Brown Funeral Home in Warrenton, MO and Nieburg-Brown Funeral Home in Wright City, MO.

Karen enjoyed travel, boating, quilting and gardening. In her younger years, she played softball in Moscow Mills with her sisters and friends with her dad as the manager. Lots of games were won.

Following in her mother's footsteps, she was a dedicated member of  Frieden United Church of Christ in Moscow Mills, MO. She also was a participating member of UCC in Wright City, MO and a member of the Ladies Aid group there.

During her retirement years, Karen worked with  her sister, Connie, at Quilter's Caboodle  in Troy, Missouri and led exercise classes at Lincoln County Council on Aging, also in Troy. Every family gathering included her Jell-O salad in some version or another, but always with pecans or walnuts! Karen always had a good craft project going and was willing to sew anything for her extended family and friends. She also never missed an opportunity to wear a stylish hat to weddings, funerals, church, or just because she loved hats!

Karen lived an independent, productive life with many interesting adventures with friends and relatives.  She was a quiet, but important participant while volunteering and supporting causes in all the communities she lived in throughout her life. We will all miss her colorful language and ability to state the facts with succinct wit and a little sass!

This obituary was lovingly written by her three sisters.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to:

Lincoln County Council on Aging 1380 Boone Street Troy, Missouri 63379  Phone: 636-528-7000

Website: https://www.lccoaonline.org Click the menu on the top right corner on LCCOA website  and choose "Donate".

Visitation will be held on Sunday , July 28, 2024 from 1 p.m.- 3 p.m. at McCoy-Blossom Funeral Homes & Crematory 1304 Boone Street Troy, MO 63379

Memorial Service will also be held on Sunday, July 28, 2024 at 3 p.m. at McCoy-Blossom Funeral Homes & Crematory 1304 Boone Street Troy, MO 63379

Family and Friends may also sign the online guest book @www.mccoyblossomfh.com