Marjorie Sprague Brown

Marjorie Sprague Brown, age 92, of Cedarville, Michigan, died on November 15, 2016 in Cedarville. She was born on October 2, 1924 in Muskogee, Oklahoma, to Warren Jesse and Esther Eve (White) Sprague. Marjorie was the middle child of three, preceded in death by her older sister, Shirley Buik, and survived by her younger brother, William (Sally) Sprague from Madison, CT As early as she could recall, her life’s desire was to meet “Mr. Wonderful”, get married, have 5 children and live happily-ever-after. She found Judson Granger Brown in Richland, Washington, in July of 1947, and they were married on May 15, 1948 in Greenwich, Connecticut. Her generation did not challenge women to have a career other than raising a family, which suited her fine. Diane arrived in 1949, Randy followed in 1950, Lynn made three in 1954 followed by Susan in 1956, and Don completed the dream in 1960. Her choice of career was her family: helping Jud start his own business, tucking children in at night, family dinners, and spending summer vacations in Cedarville. They lived in several states during their marriage, raising their five children in Massachusetts, where they lived for 27 years. When Jud retired in 1982 they moved to Cedarville, where they lived for over 34 years. Most of those years were spent living (year round) on the picturesque shore of Lake Huron, property that Jud’s great-grandmother homesteaded. In 1972 Marjorie surrendered to the Holy Spirit’s urging to find Jesus personally. She had tried to do it by going to Sunday school, being confirmed, attending church for 47 years, and seeing that the children did the same, but not until she prayed to Jesus, “I can’t find you by myself, please help me” did she have that personal relationship and love for her Lord and Savior. This became her new chapter in a life that the Lord blessed in so many ways. Before moving to Cedarville, she was active in Faith Alive weekends (sharing her testimony) and First Baptist Church of Salem, NH. She found a whole new family of Christian brothers and sisters at First Union Church, Cedar Post Thrift Shop, clerks in stores, Hospice volunteering, hospital stays, prison ministry, everywhere. She enjoyed being editor of the “Spark” Newsletter of First Union Church, and the “Cedar Postings” for Cedar Post Thrift Shop. These gave her opportunities to express herself and her faith on paper, where she was more comfortable than speaking in public. Marjorie gave so much of her time and love caring for her husband, her family and others. She always had a very charitable heart, serving others less fortunate than she, visiting the elderly and raising funds for the needy. She cherished time with her family during summer visits to the lake. She was devoted to her Lord, her husband, her children and her friends. She is remembered for her strong faith, her generous love, her genuine care and concern for others, her clever sense of humor, and her gentle, helpful and encouraging spirit. Even though her family and friends will miss her terribly, we rejoice in knowing that she is now at peace and at home with her Lord. Marjorie is survived by her husband of 68 years, Judson Brown; children, Diane (Brett Mayo) Cosby of Milton, NH, Randy (Nancy) Brown of Carlisle, MA, Lynn (Harvey) Hogg of Boca Raton, FL, Susan Caldbeck of Brookfield, MA, and Donald (Amy Wiedmer) Brown of Deerfield, NH; grandchildren, Benjamin (Misha) Cosby, Mathew Cosby, Jennie (Mike) Woods, Jesse (Rebecca) Brown, Kathryn (Cameron) Hogg-Stuart, Lauryn Hogg, Aslynn (Liam) Romano, Phillip Brown, Morgan (Tommy) Brown-Waterman and Ila Brown; great-grandchildren, Jasmine, Ali and Ethan Cosby, Jaxon and Maxx Woods, Aubrey Brown and Cassidy Waterman. Memorial service will be held in the summer 2017 at First Union Church in Cedarville, Michigan. Memorial contributions may be made to First Union Church, 159 E Hodeck, P.O. Box 426, Cedarville, MI 49719. R. Galer Funeral Home in Pickford, Michigan is serving the family. Condolences may be sent through Marjorie’s Life Tributes page to the family at www.rgalerfuneralhome.com.

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Marjorie Sprague Brown

October 2, 1924 - November 15, 2016