Mrs. Mary Ann Brown, age 89, a resident of Knud Drive in Columbia, passed away Friday evening, October 8, 2021, at Maury Regional Medical Center.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 12, 2021, at 2:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens. A visitation will be held on Monday, October 11, 2021, from 5:00 – 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Born on May 23, 1932, in Crandall, Indiana, Mary Ann was the daughter of the late Herbert Lester LaDuke and the late Margaret Sabina Douglas LaDuke. She previously worked for the Federal Government in Anchorage, Alaska, and worked over thirty years as a bookkeeper for Baker Equipment in Columbia. She was a volunteer for the Easter Seals and started the first and only Alateen program in Columbia. Mary Ann was a long-time member of the Wagon Wheelers Square Dance Club, and in the 1970s, ran the youth bowling league in Columbia. She was an avid reader and enjoyed cross stitching and working puzzles.
She is survived by her son, Robert “Bo” Brown of Nashville, TN, daughter, Jo Ann Brown of Columbia, TN, brother, James LaDuke of New Albany, IN, grandchildren, Rachel (Caleb) Garrett of Columbia, TN, Kristin (Clay) Colvett of Columbia, TN, great-grandchildren, Brown Garrett, Giles Colvett, and Matthew Colvett, and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert “Bob” Brown Jr. on March 3, 2014, son, Mark Brown, brother, Bobby LaDuke, sister, Madelyn Byrd, and great-grandchild, Mark Joseph Colvett.
Pallbearers will be Tim Smith, Ben Bayless, Mike Cook, Tim Whitehead, Caleb Garrett, and Clay Colvett. Honorary pallbearers will include the former Wagon Wheelers, Buddy Martin, Harry & Frida Parish, Randy & Salene Walters, Jimmy & Sue Campbell, Jim & Teri Baker, Wayne & Trina Stacy, Bill & Linda Milligan, Betty Hill, and Adrian “Jack” and Linda Johnson.
The family would like to extend a very special thank you to Mary Ann’s caregiver, Katie Miller, for her care and compassion over the years.
