LIMA — Rev. Shirley D. Brown, 77, of Lima and formerly of Spencerville and Alger, passed away at 3 PM Tuesday, July 17, 2018 at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center following a short illness.

She was born September 15, 1940 in Homer, MI. Mrs. Brown was the daughter of Kinner and Lottie Ousley Cornwell, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by two sisters, Alice Edwards and Berniece Hale.

Mrs. Brown was a Nationally Certified Activity Director. She served as activity director at the Sunnyview Nursing Home in Zanesville and the Franciscan at St. Leonards in Dayton.

Living in several communities where her husbands ministry led the family, Mrs. Brown had a thriving ministry of her own, leading Bible study groups in each of the churches.

She attended the Ohio University (Zanesville Branch) and earned an Associate Degree in Theology from Life Christian University. She also served a term as Village Clerk in Alger, Ohio.

In 1955 she met the love of her life, Tom Brown. She invited him to a dance. He accepted on the condition that she teach him how to dance. They were married June 1, 1958. Because of how hard she worked to put him through college and seminary, and because of her constant support and prayers, her husband always called her - his hero.

She is survived by her husband Tom Brown; two daughters; Pamela (Terry) Simmons of Melbourne, FL. and Misty (Jeffrey) Meade of Lima; She is also survived by six grandchildren; Amber (Anthony) Bufford, Braden (Danielle) Kidd, Christopher and Devin Simmons; Brittany (Travis) McDorman and Cameron Meade; eight great grandchildren; Malachi Wright, Mikah, Kadyn, Zyon and Zariah Bufford; Alexzandriea, Brantly and Alaina Kidd; two step great granchildren; Saesha Bufford and Jaida Lamb; one sister; Betty (Harold) Sanders of Columbus and one brother; Robert Cornwell of Lima; brothers and sisters-in-law; James (Louise) Brown of Lima and Bonnie (Steve) Campbell of Harrod and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 2 PM Saturday in the Shawnee United Methodist Church in Lima with Dr. Michael Jenkins officiating.

The family will receive friends from 4 until 8 PM Friday at the Shawnee Church and one hour prior to the services on Saturday.

Condolences may be sent to tbayliff@woh.rr.com.