Mary Beatrice Brown
Mary Beatrice Brown passed from this life on Oct. 6, 2026, in Pullman, Wash., surrounded by her children. She was 82.
Known as Mary B to many and Nana to her grandchildren, she was a fierce woman who loved deeply and spoke plainly. You rarely had to wonder what she thought. She had a sharp wit, a stubborn streak, and little patience for nonsense. She could fuss at you and feed you in the same visit, and you would leave knowing you were loved.
Mary was born Jan. 25, 1944 in Hugo, Okla., to Floyd and Anna Billings McEwen. She was the youngest of three children, with her brother, John “J.M.” McEwen, and sister, Elizabeth Hughes.
She graduated from Soper High School in 1962 and attended business school in Oklahoma City before returning to Hugo, where she married the love of her life, Billy Brown. She also attended Victoria Community College in Victoria, Texas.
Mary worked in several careers throughout her life, primarily in business, but her greatest professional passion was insurance. She retired from State Farm in Kentucky. Her direct manner and determination served her well throughout her working life.
A lifelong member of the Assemblies of God, Mary loved working in the church. She served for several years as Women’s Ministry President and remained involved until her health prevented it.
She loved butterflies, growing flowers, and feeding the birds. As her health declined, she spent hours watching the birds at the feeder on her patio. The woman with so much fire in her could find contentment in those quiet moments.
Her family will remember her voice, her humor, her strong opinions, and the love behind them. Nana leaves them with stories they will tell for years, some through laughter and some through tears. She is survived by her daughter, DeLana “De” Wilbourn (James); her son, William “Little Bill” Brown; and her grandchildren: Mark Billings (Erica), Thomas Billings (Sky), William “Bill” Cantwell (Sarah and April), Amy Clemons (Cory), Nathan Billings (Bailey), Devon Zacharias (Krista), Hunter Wilbourn (Nicole), Shawn Wilbourn (Olivia), Jay Wilbourn, Jayson Wilbourn, Holly Rogers, and Katie Cole (John).
She is also survived by 31 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, her bonus daughter, Saundra Melton, and her precious dog, Betty. Her surviving nieces and nephews include Randall Hughes (Pam), Connie Stone, Paul Davis, Michael Davis, Janey Dixon, and Joyce Bradley.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Billy Brown; her sister, Elizabeth Hughes; her grandson, Scotty Billings; a granddaughter, Alyssa Wilbourn; and her great-granddaughter, Makena Cantwell.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Oct. 31, 2026 at First Assembly of God Church in Hugo, Okla.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a local charity of your choice in Mary’s memory.
Services are under the direction of Corbeill Funeral Homes.
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