Mary Ann Brown
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Mary Ann Brown, 89, long time resident of Anthony, New Mexico-Texas passed away peacefully on August 5th, 2021, at the home of Barry and Norma Brown of Georgetown, Texas. Mary Ann was born to Ellis Garland Gunnell and Clyde Logan Gunnell in Las Cruces, New Mexico February 29, 1932. Mary Ann had three siblings, Newton Earnest Gunnell and Patsy Duncan (both deceased) and Ruth Ashby of Plano, Texas. Mary Ann grew up in Las Cruces and Dona Ana, New Mexico and Burbank, California. Her childhood passion was horses, which she pursued on the family farms in New Mexico and at the family riding stables in California. She became an accomplished trick rider participating in many rodeos, expositions and parades. After returning to Las Cruces, she met the love of her life, Joe Bob Brown, Sr. They married March 10, 1951 in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Joe Bob already resided in Anthony and they established their family there. Mary Ann worked alongside her husband in the family businesses, West Texas Texaco and Anthony Auto Parts. They had five children, Debra (Marvin) Walker of San Antonio, Texas. Jerry (Linda) Brown of Bedford, Texas, Joe Bob (Patsy) Brown, Jr. of Arlington, Texas, Mona (John) George of Denton, Texas and Ron (Marian) Brown of Bedford, Texas. Eleven grandchildren, Judson Walker (deceased), Ridglea (Lowell) Callahan, Heather (Ted) Moreno, Candice (James) Treftz, Barry (Norma) Brown, Kenneth (Judy) Brown, Logan (Mayra) Brown, Andrea (Clayton) Meyer, Glen George, Meagan Brown and Emily Brown and seventeen great grandchildren. She was a lifelong Member of the Church of Christ and attended the Anthony Church of Christ for 67 years. She taught bible classes and was active in the women's ministry. From the time Mary Ann arrived in Anthony she worked tirelessly to improve the community. She served on the Anthony, Texas city council and school board, Anthony Community Cemetery Association, Anthony Chamber of Commerce and Anthony Women's Civic Club. She spearheaded having both Anthony, Texas and Anthony, New Mexico named as joint Leap Year Capitals of the World. In 1988 the governors of both states issued proclamations and it was read into the Congressional Record. She is the founder of the Worldwide Leap Year Birthday Club. Special thanks go out to Barry, Norma, Savannah, Madison, Austin and Charlotte Brown for opening their home and providing care for Mary Ann and to Barbara Alvey for moving there to assist them. Thanks also to Hospice Austin for their services and care. Services for Mary Ann will be Saturday, August 14 at 10:00am at the Anthony Church of Christ, 100 South 3rd Street. Burial service will immediately follow 11:30am in the Anthony Community Cemetery, North 4th Street and Acosta Road. Following the services the family will be receiving guests at Rollin' Smoke BBQ, 200 Main Street. Cards may be sent to: Ron Brown, 3609 Dorchester Drive, Bedford, Texas 76021. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to: Anthony Community Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 2638, Anthony, New Mexico, 88021. You may share a message or memory in the online memorial guestbook at www.RamseyFuneral.com.