Brown, Neva Jean Mrs. Jim 1924-2006

BROWN, THOMAS, HOUTLON

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 11/14/2010 at 20:10:21

Neva Jean Brown

Neva Jean Brown, 86, of Barron, Wis., died June 30, 2006. Funeral Services were, held Monday July 3, at First United Methodist Church in Barron with the Rev. Tom La Chapelle officiating. Funeral Services were held on Tuesday July 4, at Ireton United Methodist Church in Ireton, with the Rev. Tim Walker officiating. Burial was at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Ireton.
Neva Jean Brown was born Oct. 2, 1921, the daughter of Bruce and Flossie (Thomas) Houlton of Ireton. In 1944 she married Jim Brown while he was on leave from the Navy. Until after WW II their early, married life included short stays in cities dictated by the Navy, including San Francisco, New York City, Detroit and Chicago. When possible, Neva used her business administration certificate from Mankato Business College to supplement Jim’s Navy pay.
Upon Jim’s discharge from the Navy, they moved to Ames, Iowa until Jim graduated from Iowa State’s Veterinary College. Through the AFS program they had a son from Thailand live with them for one school year and he remains very close to the family.
Jim’s large animal veterinary practice took the growing family first to their home town, Ireton , and then to Wayne, Neb. after a short swing back through Ames. The Wayne Methodist Church played a prominent role in the families lives. Neva directed children choir, taught vacation bible and Sunday school and with Jim participated in a very active and meaningful adult fellowship group. Following the death of daughter Janine, the veterinary practice was sold and the family moved to Barron, Wis.
At the First United Methodist Church of Barron Neva taught Sunday school, sang in the adult choir, participated in United Methodist women circles and served in various leadership positions.
Mr. Brown died in 1993 after thirteen years of her nursing him while his heart failed.
Survivors include daughter, Susan and sons, David, William and Daniel; nine grandchildren, sisters, Ila Vander Hamm, Lois Rose, Fern Eilts and Marjorie Johnson and brother, Charles Houlton.
Source: Ireton Examiner of June 2005