Barbara Sue Brown

Barbara "Barb" Brown, 86, of Decatur, Illinois, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 2, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Barb was born on November 24, 1939, in Glasgow, Kentucky, to William and Mattie McFarland. She graduated from Maroa-Forsyth High School, where she was crowned the 1957 Homecoming Queen alongside her future husband, James L. Brown, who was Homecoming King. Their love story continued throughout a lifetime of marriage, family, and cherished memories.

Barb was first and foremost the CEO of the Brown Family. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, homemaker, and friend, she dedicated her life to caring for those she loved. Throughout her career, she also served as an administrative assistant at Maroa Grade School, a computer administrative analyst at Clinton Power Plant, and later as a data analyst for Aramark. No matter where she worked, Barb was known for her dedication, organization, and warm spirit.

Her greatest joy was her family. She treasured every opportunity to share stories and photos of her children and grandchildren with friends. Family vacations to the beaches of South Carolina and Florida created lifelong memories, and every road trip faithfully followed the "Barb Rule"—a stop at Cracker Barrel every three hours for good food and even better shopping.

Barb embraced life with enthusiasm and a gift for bringing people together. She was an avid bridge player, a proud member of Beta Sigma Phi, helping found the Maroa chapter after first joining the Clinton chapter, where she was later crowned Sorority Queen. She served as a Cub Scouts Den Mother, belonged to the Sun-n-Fun Swim Club and the Jaycees, and was a faithful member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. She had a remarkable talent for decorating homes and celebrations, often lending her creativity to family and friends—whether they asked for it or not. She also loved dancing with Jim “Brownie”, spending time with friends, and was affectionately known as the world's best shopper.

Barb was preceded in death by her beloved son, John W. Brown; her parents, William and Mattie McFarland; five brothers, Lee, Bill, Kenny, Frank, and Jim; four sisters, Maxie, Jean, Lois, and Stella, and niece Mary and nephew Bruce.

She leaves behind her devoted husband of many years, James L. Brown; her daughter, Jamie (John) Castaneda; her son, James "Bo" (Laurie) Brown; and her cherished grandchildren, Kady (Nick), Emily, and James. She is also survived by her beloved nieces and nephews, Mike (Rosemary), Tim (Julie), Danny (Lynna), Mark, Kirk, Karen (Dale), and Paula (Mark), along with great-nieces and great-nephews Robin (Mark) and Brian (Andrea), and many other extended family members and dear friends.
Barb's legacy is one of unwavering love, generosity, laughter, and devotion to family. She made every holiday brighter, every gathering more beautiful, and every person she met feel welcome. Her kindness, strength, and joyful spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Visitation will be held between 10:00 AM -11:00 AM on Friday, August 7, 2026 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Decatur, IL with the funeral service to follow. Burial will take place at Maroa Township Cemetery in Maroa, IL.

Flowers and memorial donations may be sent directly to Brintlinger & Earl Funeral Home in Barbara’s honor.