Deena Lea Brown (74) of Newton

Deena Lea Brown, age 74, of Newton, Illinois, passed away at 10:55 PM – Sunday, September 29, 2024, at her home.

Funeral services celebrating Deena’s life will be held at 10:00 AM – Friday, October 4, 2024, at the Newton Free Methodist Church, 201 East Reynolds Street, Newton, Illinois, with Pastor Matthew Scandrett, officiating. Interment will be in the Honey Cemetery in Bogota, Illinois. A visitation for family and friends will be held 5:00 to 7:00 PM – Thursday, October 3, 2024, at the church. In loving memory of Deena, memorials may be made to the Newton Free Methodist Church. Arrangements are under the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois. The obituary can be viewed, and condolences left by clicking here.

Deena was born on January 3, 1950, in Charleston, Illinois, the daughter of Dean Beard and Rubilea (Hamilton) Beard. She was a member of the Newton Community High School Class of 1968. Deena was united in marriage to Richard Brown on August 23, 1969, in Effingham, Illinois. Deena had worked at Marshall Brothers Furniture in Newton. She later went to work at Central Grade School in Newton as a teacher’s aide and retired after 25 years of service. Deena was a faithful member of the Newton Free Methodist Church in Newton where she was very active in church activities, especially with the youth group. She enjoyed gardening, cooking and raising flowers.

Deena is survived by: Husband of 55 years – Rick Brown of Newton, Illinois; Children – Bobbi (husband Mike) Brooks of Charleston, Illinois; David (wife Melissa) Brown of Newton, Illinois; and Nathan Brown of Flora, Illinois Grandchildren – Ashley Meeker (husband Morgan Linder), Shannon Meeker, Connor Brown, Parker Brown, Carson Brown, Kyndal Brown, Jennifer (husband Bobby) Keenan, Melissa Brooks and David Brooks; Brother – Alan (wife Sue) Beard of Newton, Illinois.

Deena was preceded in death by her parents Dean Beard and Rubilea Wilson, and father and mother-in-law Andrew and Clella Brown.