Virginia Mae Brown, age 84, of Oakwood died Monday, January 7, 2013, surrounded by her loving family at Lutheran Hospital in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.
A woman of tremendous faith, Virginia lived her entire life for the day she could enter the gates of Heaven and be in the presence of God.  Her family rejoices in knowing she has received her Heavenly reward and are so blessed that she was their "Grandma Brown".  She was a member of Twin Oaks United Methodist Church and was a former member of the Rebekah Lodge.  Virginia worked 23 years at the Oakwood school cafeteria and helped create a loving, caring environment for so many students through the years.  Her life was a model of compassion and kindness and she will be remembered as a very thoughtful and caring friend and neighbor.  More than anything, Grandma Brown blessed her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with her love, gentle spirit, and affection and filled their hearts and minds with memories that will last for generations to come.
She was born May 24, 1928, in Manchester, Michigan, to the late Lewis A. and Ruth A.
(Brand) Warren.  She married Robert L. Brown on December 15, 1946, in Bellflower, California, and he preceded her in death on March 14, 2001.  She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Cynthia Grimes, a granddaughter, Angel, 3 great-grandchildren, Evan, Alyssa, and Elijah; 3 sisters, Catherine Barnes, Emma Merillat, and Ann Ferguson; and 3 brothers, Fred, Jesse, and Lewis Warren.
Survivors include her 5 children, Bob (Sue ) Brown, Oakwood; Leo (Reverend Rita) Brown, Lancaster; Bill (Linda) Brown, Antwerp; Larry (Diane) Brown, Defiance; and Rainell (Bill) Koenn, Cecil; a son-in-law, Eugene "Beanie (Gloria) Grimes, Oakwood; 22 grandchildren, Marty (Michelle) Grimes, Deedi (Mike) Miller, Derric (Dee) Brown, Josh (Kim) Grimes, Darsi (Mark) Everson, Pete Brown, Jodi (Jake) Griffith, Sara Brown and her fiancé, Danny, Jami (Dan) Sullivan, Jenny (Jason) Vasaris, Kris (Scott) Reed, Jill (Jordan) Streicher, Tim (Lorianne) Brown, Drew Brown, Chelsi Brown and her fiancé, Gary, Jim (Ashley) Brown, Julie Koenn, Katie Brown, John Brown, Jacob Brown, Jason Koenn, and Thomas Brown; 22 great-grandchildren, Franklin, Ellie, Jowaine, Estee, Hunter, Sawyer, Noah, Leah, Aiden, Jackson, Jayla, Blake, Jarret, Becca, Haden, Nicholas, Zach, Max, Joseph, Katelyn, Clarissa, and Blaine; many nieces and nephews; countless friends; and her church family.
Friends may call from 4-8 p.m Thursday, January 10, and from 2-8 p.m. Friday, January 11, at Heitmeyer Funeral Home, Oakwood, and one hour prior to the service at the church.  Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 12, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at Twin Oaks United Methodist Church, Oakwood.  Reverends Eric Dailey and Rita Brown will officiate and burial will take place at Prairie Chapel Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Twin Oaks United Methodist Church Building Fund or to the donor's choice.

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