Juanita (Vicki) Brown, 91, Grapeland, lovingly known as "Gran" by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, heard Jesus calling her name, and she went to be with him on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at Country Oaks Assisted Living in Burnet, Texas. She is remembered as a fun-loving, spunky, fashionista who loved to shop, laugh, and spend time with her family and friends.
Born on January 23, 1933, Vicki experienced a childhood marked by frequent moves but she ultimately graduated from high school in Vidor, Texas. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Stephen F. Austin State University. It was during her first year of teaching in Alvin, Texas, that she met her future husband, William Arland "W.A." Brown. The two married and settled in Grapeland, where they shared 60 wonderful years together until his passing.
Vicki dedicated her life to her family and to education. She and Arland raised four children, but she touched the lives of many more through teaching school for 30 years—25 of which were spent as a beloved first-grade teacher in Grapeland. Her passion for teaching children to read was unparalleled, and she worked tirelessly to make learning an enjoyable and enriching experience for her students. She furthered her own education by earning a master’s degree in Reading two decades after completing her undergraduate studies. Also, she was a member of the Gamma Chi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, International.
A creative spirit, Vicki found joy in crafting and quilting. She lovingly made quilts for each of her grandchildren, and then she gifted her collection to her family. She was an Honorary member and past President of the Grapeland Garden Club, and she was an award-winning participant in many flower shows, ultimately serving as a Flower Show Judge for several years. A lifetime member of the Order of the Eastern Star, she served as Deputy Grand Matron for one year and Worthy Matron for one year. She was deeply involved with the Grapeland First Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School, Children’s Church, and Vacation Bible School. She also participated in the Love Circle and the Coffee Class.
She is survived by her children; son Gregory Arland and Barbara Brown of Grapeland, son Jeffery Charles and Denise Brown of Huntsville, daughter Jennifer Susan and Chris Giesenschlag of Burnet, and daughter Gretchen Ara and Gary Jones of Spring; her grandchildren; Lindsey Brown, Garrett Arland and Lanette Brown, Katelyn and Michael Streetman, Mia Smith, Case and Traci Towslee, Kerstyn Ruth Towslee, Reagan Giesenschlag, Ross Giesenschlag, Taylor and Lori Jones, Madison Jones, and Lauren Amanda Jones; and great-grandchildren; Tristan, Gabrielle, Gracynn Arabelle, Caroline, Cooper, Kenzie, Konner Arland, and Cameron; brother Philip Oran Vick and wife Barbara.
Vicki was preceded in death by her husband, William Arland Brown; and sister, Sue Vick Chellew.
Vicki’s legacy of love and learning lives on through the countless lives she touched. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Grapeland Garden Club or the Gamma Chi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma in c/o Barbara Brown, P.O. Box 1, Grapeland, TX 75844.
Visitation
Saturday, January 4, 2025
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Grapeland First Methodist Church
Grapeland, TX
Funeral Service
Saturday, January 4, 2025
12:00 PM
Grapeland First Methodist Church
Grapeland, TX
Interment
Refuge Cemetery
Grapeland, TX
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