Helen Louise Brown was born on September 24, 1927, in Coweta, Oklahoma to Harry C. Taylor and Reasie Street. She was the third child born to Harry and Reasie, but she was raised as an only child in that a brother and sister had died in infancy. Helen departed this life on Friday, February 15, 2013. Her parents, step-father, William Howard, and a son, Thomas A. Edison preceded her in death. Helen grew up in Coweta and Muskogee Oklahoma; however when she was in high school her step-father moved the family to Kansas City, Missouri. In 1945, she married Cleo Edison and to this union four children were born: June C. Tinsley, Ronald C. Edison, Thomas A. Edison, and Patricia L. James. In the early 1960's she married Charles Brown. She left Kansas City and lived in Denver, Colorado for a while. Then she moved to Topeka, Kansas and lived in Topeka for about twenty years. She moved back to Kansas City after a good friend and companion, Leslie Thomas died. Helen loved the Lord. She accepted Christ as her savior at a young age. Her membership to Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church goes back to the early 1950's. Although she moved to other states when she returned to Kansas City stay in 1990, she returned to Metropolitan MBC. As a member she sung in the choir, was active in the Women's Mission Ministry, and was a loyal member of the Host and Hostesses Ministry. She truly enjoyed working in the Hostess Ministry because she had the gift of service. She loved to serve and help people. Sister Helen Brown joined Eastern Star's-Faith Chapter #110, October 28, 1995. She was a strong and loyal supporter of all Faith Chapter #110 activities. The last office she held was the "Associate Matron' in 2004-2006." Helen Louise Brown leaves to cherish her memories, a son, Ronald C. Edison of Seattle Washington; two daughters, June C. Tinsley of Kansas City, Missouri and Patricia L. James of Kansas City, Missouri; five grandchildren: Ronald Williams, Gary E. Tinsley (Michelle) both of Kansas City, Missouri, Tommy D. Edison (Tawanya) of Georgia, Maurice Edison of Kansas City, Missouri, and DeAnna Okafor of Lenexa, Kansas; eight great-grandchildren: Caysha and Crystal Williams, Emani and Hisheim Edison, Maya, Jalen, and Braedon Edison, and Elise Okafor; one great-great-grandson, Joshia M. Shobe; and a host of other relatives who she loved very much, and many kind and dear friends. Funeral Services for Helen Louise Brown will be held on Saturday, March 2, 12:00 p.m. at Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church, 2310 E. Linwood. Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at The Church. Interment, Monday, Leavenworth National Cemetery.

Published in Kansas City Star on February 24, 2013