Obituary of Clara Marie Brown

Clara M. Brown

Thomas Township, Michigan

Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Clara Marie Brown, passed away peacefully at her residence on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the age of 82.

Clara was born on September 30, 1942, in Deckerville, Michigan, to Ronald and Rosetta (Turner) Merriam. On March 14, 1966, she married George Benton Brown Sr. in the Church of God Seventh Day, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in love and faith.

She worked for many years at Frigidaire and retired in 1995. Clara was a proud and active member of the Freeland Church of God Seventh Day and Martha Washington Chapter 113 Order of the Eastern Star, living her faith through service and fellowship.

Clara had a joyful spirit and found great delight in square dancing and clogging. She also enjoyed camping, vacationing, and family dinners, but what she cherished most was spending time with her family and friends—especially her grandchildren, who brought her immense pride and happiness.

She is survived by her children: Charles (Ruthann) Brown, Jeremy (Souk) Brown, and Kim (Dennis) Gurnsey; her daughter-in-law, Richelle Brown-Hartwig; her grandchildren: Jerald Brown, George Brown III, Marcus Brown, Kevin Brown, Charleeann Brown, Zachary Rausch, Samantha Rausch, Chloe Brown-Hartwig, Iris Inthalath, Attila Juhasz, Georgianna Gurnsey, and Jeremy Gurnsey; and her great-grandchildren: Clara Jean Brown, Brinley Brown, Randy-Lynn Brown, and Georgia-Kate Brown.

She also leaves behind her brother, Ronald (Sara) Merriam; sister-in-law, Karen Merriam; and many loving nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Clara was preceded in death by her parents, Ronald and Rosetta Merriam; her husband, George Benton Brown Sr.; her son, George Benton Brown Jr.; and her brothers, Archie Merriam and Kenneth Merriam.

Her warmth, faith, and deep love for her family will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

VISITATION: Family and friends will gather at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Sunday, June 1, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service at 2:00 p.m.  

MEMORIAL SERVICE: A Memorial Service will take place at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, June 1, 2025 at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State), Saginaw, MI 48603. Pastor Andrew Fernandez will officiate.

MEMORIALS: Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Spring Vale Christian School or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.