Nina L. Brown's Obituary
Nina L. (Green) Brown passed away unexpectedly and into the loving arms of Jesus at 1:45 am on January 20, 2025. Because of her strong faith, we rest assured knowing we will be reunited one day.
She was born on March 12, 1945 near Casey, IL to the Reverend Gaylord Green and Ruth Marion (Lee) Green. Nina Lu was born the sixth out of seven daughters. She graduated from Casey High School in May of 1963. Later that month on May 25, 1963, she married Kenneth V. Brown of Casey, Illinois with her father performing the ceremony. Together they raised two incredible daughters: Jeanette Kay and Jacqueline Sue.
She was a homemaker and devoted wife of a carpenter and missionary. By doing so they started out in Casey, Illinois and then moved to Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi, Michigan, Arizona, Florida, and Pennsylvania before moving back to Casey, Illinois. During that time, they also served together with Life Action Ministries for five years. She was an excellent seamstress, a talent she learned from her mom, and often made clothes for herself and daughters. She loved her grandkids and said so often. She was their #1 supporter and attended as many games as she could for both her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. You could always see her in the bleachers or a folding chair for tennis matches, basketball games, football games, wrestling matches, baseball games and softball games. She was always willing to play games whether it be Skip-Bo, Phase 10, or Dominos. She saved every letter that her daughters and grandchildren sent over the years. Lately she really enjoyed putting together puzzles with her husband at the dining room table.
She was the definition of a Proverbs 31 woman by living a godly life, being diligent, generous, and being prepared for the future. Church was very important to her where she volunteered and served as needed whether it be helping with VBS or leading Bible studies. Last week she just finished reading the Bible in chronological order which she did several times and was getting ready to do it again. Her favorite verse was Job 23:10, "But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold." She and Kenny went on mission trips to Ecuador, six trips to orphanages in Mexico, and at least ten trips to Texas in the winter to help where needed. Many may not know that she was also a twenty-two year survivor of Leukemia.
She is survived by her husband of sixty-one years, Kenny Brown of Casey, Illinois; daughters, Jeanette (Brad) Huisinga of Casey, Illinois and Jacquie (Jeff) Futrell of Sandwich, Illinois; grandchildren, Tara (Dave) Whitacre of Casey, Illinois, Heather Huisinga of Casey, Illinois, Lance (Tani) Futrell of Sandwich, Illinois, Brittany (Kevin) Schlabaugh of Rantoul, Illinois, Nick Futrell of Woodridge, Illinois, and Heath (Kelly) Huisinga of Casey, Illinois; great-grandchildren, Ella, Olivia, and Ben Whitacre of Casey, Illinois, Eli, Owen, and Luke Futrell of Sandwich, Illinois, Wells and Jax Schlabaugh of Rantoul, Illinois, and Hanes Huisinga of Casey, Illinois; sisters, Joyce Clapp of Westfield, Illinois, Carolyn Tetrick of Sandwich, Illinois, and Gayle (David) Dowling of Denver, Colorado; brother and sisters-in-law, Denny Lacey of Casey, Illinois, Julian Morrison of Roanoke, Illinois, Walter Brown of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Lamont (Helen) Brown of Lynchburg, Virginia, Phillip (Carol) Brown of Casey, Illinois, and Harold (Janie) Brown of Casey, Illinois, along with numerous nieces and nephews; and her church family.
She was proceeded in death by her parents whom she always referred to as Mother and Daddy; sisters, Wandalee (Bob) Lang, Wanita Morrison, and Barbara Lacey; brothers-in-law, Everett Clapp and Jim Tetrick; sister-in-law, Linda Brown; nephews, Doit Lang and Roger Brown; niece, Amanda Durnil; and great-granddaughter, Adelaide Schlabaugh. We rejoice in the fact that they are reunited.
She was a faithful member of the Martinsville Bible Church in Martinsville, Illinois. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Casey First Baptist Church, 101 E. Alabama Ave., Casey, IL 62420 or the Martinsville Bible Church, PO Box 310, Martinsville, IL 62442.
Funeral services will be held on Friday January 24, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. with David Wilson and Tom Marsh officiating at the Casey Frist Baptist Church. A visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. prior to the service at the Casey First Baptist Church, 101 E. Alabama Ave. Casey, IL. Burial will immediately follow at the Washington Cemetery, rural Casey, IL. The family would like to thank the men and women of the Casey First Baptist and Martinsville Bible Church for their generosity and the meal provided afterwards.
To view the full obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle, or post photos, please visit www.markwellfuneralhome.com. Markwell Funeral Home of Casey, IL is in charge of the arrangements.
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