of Jacksonville, AR
August 7, 1940 - August 20, 2022
Ann Ward Brown, 82, of Jacksonville, Arkansas passed away on Saturday, August 20, 2022. She was born on August 7, 1940, in Wardell, Missouri, to the late Dale Alexander and Lena Mae Ward.
Ann was a woman of faith and loved the Lord. Her calling was solely dedicated to the family that she built with her husband, Lee. The love between them was immeasurable and a gift to witness for her family. She was blessed with a miracle, her daughter, who she adored and covered in every aspect of her life. When her grandchild was to arrive, the heart she gave to her family, would soon go to her grandson. Ann doted on her daughter until she could cover her grandson with all her time and affection.
She is survived by her daughter, Amy Billingsley (Greg) and Leigh Anne Russell; grandchildren, Brady Billingsley and Christopher Russell (Amy); great-grandchild, Bethany Russell; brother, Dan Ward; daughter from the heart, Barbara Mashburn; son from the heart, Ollie Mashburn and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Lee Wells Brown; parents, Dale Alexander and Lena Mae Ward; brothers, Carl Ward and Wayne Ward; sister, Sharlene Handley and great-granddaughter, Ashtyn Lane Russell.
Services will be held on Saturday, August 27, at 11:00 A.M. at Roller-Owens Funeral Home in North Little Rock. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the services at 10:00 A.M. A graveside service will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Park in Jacksonville.
In lieu of flowers, family asks that donations be made to the program that supports Brady, Ann's grandson. This program provides extracurricular sports to children with special needs and online donations can be made to: www.CommunityConnectionsAR.org or you can mail donations to: 1000 SWN Drive, Suite 101, Conway, Arkansas 72032.
Sign Guestbook
9 Condolence(s)
Willis N. Ward (Bill)
Monday, September 12, 2022
Ann was a favorite cousin. We had a special relationship. She will be missed by her family and friends. She loved the LORD, her family and friends.
Ruby Moore Cotham
Friday, August 26, 2022
Classmate at Osceola and dear friend. One of many memories of Ann, in high school I was chosen to be on the homecoming football court, I needed certain color skirt and did not have and she loaned me one or I would have been in trouble. She came to one of our class reunions few years back, first time I had seen her since school and we had good time. Lovely person. Prayers to you.
Kay Phillips
Thursday, August 25, 2022
I have not seen Ms. Ann in many years but when every I think of her my first thoughts are always "Ms. Ann is one beautiful lady with a big heart and a wonderful smile". I can still hear her laugh even after all these years. I loved her and Bro Lee very much and they meant the world to my family. As a child and young teenager if the Browns weren't in church with us something was missing. My thoughts and prayers for Amy and the rest of her family.
Sheila Harrell
Thursday, August 25, 2022
Amy,
I am so thankful that I had your Mom & Dad in my life. I have such great memories of them from birthday parties, to spending the night to going to church together & Sunday lunches I am so sad about your Mom’s passing, but I know that she & your Dad left a beautiful legacy of faith that you are now carrying out in your own life to your son, Brady. I know Lee welcome Ann with open arms into heaven. I bet it was a beautiful site. Love you sweet friend.
Sonya & David Killebrew
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
Amy, I have such sweet memories of you mother and the many nights we had sleepovers at your house on a Saturday night before church on Sunday.
Mr and Mrs Brown will always have a special place in my heart as they were people that talked about God to me and made sure I was prepared to be with him one day.
I rejoice that she is with God now.
Love you! Sonya.
Jim Hensley
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
I was 13 when I met the Brown family. Pastor Lee and Anna Nana got me through some very difficult times. It is difficult to remember many of the sermons I heard at Westside - much like I am unable to remember the many meals I have enjoyed over my lifetime. Still, I know I have been nourished. This was Lee, Ann, and the Brown family.
I was a student in Pastor Lee's class at Jacksonville High in 1977. He was watching me on Sundays and the every day in school. I didn't get into any trouble. Jacksonville in the late 70s and 80s was full of potty mouths. Every once in a while I would say a dirty word out of hurt, anger, or just to look cool. That is, until Pastor Lee preached a lesson called, "A Wicked Prayer."
Ann reminded me that since God hears everything we say, our words should be kind, sweet, and worshipful. When we speak an ugly word, we curse God. That sermon was in 1975 - Forty-seven years ago. Still reminded of our duty even today.
But today is about my Anna Nana. My son, Jimmy, called her that. I loved the conversation at the Browns, Jimmy and Suzy loved the pie. There was always people in need at Anna Nana's house. This was the house that built me and so many others. In the chaos of my teen years and the struggle to be something, Lee and Ann's door was always open.
Seems I stumbled every couple days. I was never judged by Lee and Ann. I just couldn't get things right but I was loved by two people who gave their life for so many. Ann deserved so much more than she received in life. She would disagree. That's because she was a fighter. She was not on a cruse ship - she was on a War Ship in the battle every day. My Ann, you can rest now. I know Jesus will be here soon to get the rest of us.
Ann and so many people she touched wants each of you to be in heaven with her. Repent of your sins, admit you are a sinner in need of help, ask Jesus in your heart to be your personal savior, and be saved. Don't worry about the past. Get into a Bible believing church and go to work.
I never left Ann's home without a hug , a challenge, and feeling so much better.
Amy, the world will go on. Your parents trusted you to continue their legacy. What a jewel you and that wonderful boy were to their life. I don't know how you take the next step. When in doubt, remember that all your friends and family here love you and are so proud. I know I speak for so many others when I say that I only have a simple thank you to Anna Nana for rescuing me when I could not take another step. And yet I can.
Karen Young
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
My sincere condolences! Praying for you and your family! Hold on to the memories!
Robbin Miller
Monday, August 22, 2022
Amy, our deepest sympathies for yours and Brady’s loss. Ms. Ann was such a great person, who always put her family first. She loved you and Brady more than life itself. She will continue to smile daily watching over you and Brady along side the true love her life, Mr. Lee. I can see them now, sitting next to each other, holding hands as they catch up on the last 7 years. Whatever you guys need, Wyatt and I are here for you guys. Prayers and love for the days ahead!
Oliver Mashburn
Monday, August 22, 2022
She’s a remarkable woman that I called Maw, I will love and cherish her memories always, Along with the Captain I will truly love them both with all my heart and deeply appreciate the time I had with them