Ellen "Janie" Jane Brown

Ellen Jane “Janie” Brown, 97, of Hannibal, Missouri, passed away peacefully at her home on June 10, 2025.

Janie was born on January 1, 1928, in Los Angeles County, California, and proudly held the title of the first baby born in the county that New Year’s Day. She was the beloved daughter of Earl and Edith Sisco of Fisk, Missouri, and was preceded in death by her parents and siblings: Muriel Sisco, Jerry Kroman, Bill Sisco, and Jimmie McKuin.

On May 30, 1947, she married the love of her life, Charles Byron Brown. Together, they built a life filled with laughter, devotion, and love. They raised two children: Joshua Brown of Grants Pass, Oregon, and Debi Wooten (Tom) of Hannibal, Missouri.

Janie was immensely proud of her family. She was a loving grandmother to 11, great-grandmother to 23, and great-great-grandmother to 6.

Children of Joshua Brown: Dee Olsen (Chad) of Richardson, TX; Michelle Crow of Denton, TX; Shelly Cullum (Reed) of Paradise Cove, TX; Noah Brown (Gigi) of Temecula, CA; Deva Winchester (Bryan) of Milwaukee, OR; Matt Brown (Chelsey) of Grants Pass, OR; Noelle Rivera (Micky) of Portland, OR; Jessie Woodhull (Adam) of Atascadero, CA; Faith Thielscher (Nate) of San Diego, CA. Children of Debi Wooten: Charlie Wooten (Jan) of Hillsboro, MO; Krissy Young (Neal) of Overland Park, KS.

Janie had a fulfilling professional life as well. She owned and operated the Artistic Beauty Shop in Poplar Bluff, Missouri for 28 years. A dedicated member of Beta Sigma Phi since 1964, she cultivated lifelong friendships and service. She also devoted 15 years to serving as director of The Lord’s Pantry at the Nazarene Church in Santa Ana, California, where she helped provide food and services to over a million people in need. In 1976, Janie married Robert Darbyshire, who preceded her in death in 2007.

Janie’s life was defined by compassion, humor, and resilience. She was sharp-witted, deeply informed about the world, and always ready to play a (winning) hand of cards. Her warmth, generosity, and spirit touched everyone around her. She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00am on Friday, June 20, 2025, at Memorial Gardens Cemetery with Pastor Steve Patterson officiating.

Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to serve the family and friends of Mrs. Ellen Jane Brown. Online condolences can be made at www.cwrfcs.com.