Mrs. Ethel J. Brown's Obituary
Mrs. Ethel J. Brown, age 97, went to be with her Lord and Savior on July 4, 2021. She was born July 4, 1924, in Muskegon to Nicholas and Grace (Borgadine) Workman and was a lifelong resident. She was a lifetime member of Bethany Christian Reformed Church where she sang in the choir, belonged to the Women’s Fellowship, and enjoyed being part of the Bethany Babes Breakfast group. Ethel loved music and attending the West Michigan Symphony. She taught music at Muskegon Public Schools, was a former member of the Norton Pines Tennis Club, and when she was able, she still enjoyed practicing Yoga at Tanglewood. She also volunteered with the Muskegon Service League. Ethel graduated from Albion College in 1947 and after graduating her and two of her college roommates moved out to California. After a couple of years living there, she moved back to Muskegon. On June 23, 1950, Ethel married Marvin W. Brown. As infants Ethel and Marv were baptized together at Bethany on the same day. In their married life they were members of the Muskegon Country Club for many years. They also enjoyed spending time at their condo in Traverse City with their family and all their children every summer. They enjoyed traveling together, whether to Palm Springs, Traverse City, or numerous cruises. Marv preceded her in death on December 25, 2012. Survivors include 2 sons: Arthur (Patricia) Brown, David (Bonnie Adamczak) Brown; 5 grandchildren: Kristy (Greg) Shoemaker, Lindsay (Tim) Molenbeek, Stephanie (Nathan) Kooistra, Emily (Eddie) Ward, Cameron (Andrea) Brown; 10 great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her parents and 2 brothers Wesley and Bill. The funeral service will be Tuesday, July 13, 2021, at 2:00 PM at Bethany Christian Reformed Church. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. A private family graveside will be held at Oakwood Cemetery. Contributions in memory of Mrs. Brown may be made to Bethany Christian Reformed Church, the Harbor Hospice Foundation, Muskegon Christian School or Western Michigan Christian High School/Middle School. Arrangements have been entrusted to The Walburn Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 1547 W. Sherman Blvd., Muskegon, MI 49441.
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