Shirley Nell Boswell Brown's Obituary
Shirley Nell Boswell Brown, 90, of Chicago, Illinois, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2025, at her home, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, kindness, and unwavering devotion to those she cherished.
Born on November 3, 1934, in Bloomfield, Indiana, Shirley grew up in a small town with her younger brother, Charles "Charley Bill" William Boswell, Sr., who was also born on November 3 in 1936. She was the daughter of Harry Morton Boswell and Mary Edna "Mickey" Dorraugh Boswell, inheriting their values of hard work, compassion, and faith. In the late 1940s, her family relocated to Tennessee, where Shirley was crowned Miss Sewanee, Franklin County, in 1951 and graduated from Franklin County High School. At a time when few women worked outside the home, Shirley began her career in high school as a bookkeeper/administrator for her father’s business, later known as the Monteagle Silo Company. Shirley always had a great head for numbers and could calculate them faster in her head than most people could using a calculator. In 1957, she moved to Orlando, Florida, and embarked on a remarkable 34-year career with Martin Marietta (now Lockheed Martin) in Quality Data, where she was proud to be among the first small group of women managers in the company.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Winford Russell "Russ" Brown, Jr., and after his passing she moved to Chicago, Illinois in 2010, where she lived the rest of her days with her son-in-law, Tom, and daughter, Shirley.
Shirley was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a diehard Chicago Cubs fan and was thrilled to witness them win the long-awaited World Series on her birthday in 2016. A voracious reader, she embraced technology, using her Kindle, iPad, and iPhone to the age of 90. After retirement, she loved to travel, especially in her RV, exploring the USA, Mexico, and Canada. She enjoyed cooking and hosting large holiday meals for her family and was especially known for her Thanksgiving dressing recipe. A fan of country gold music, she cherished artists like Merle Haggard, Conway Twitty, George Jones, Johnny Cash, Eddy Arnold, and Loretta Lynn, but her heart swooned for Tom Jones and Elvis, having seen both live in concert. Her infectious smile and welcoming nature touched countless lives. A lifelong Christian, Shirley lived her faith through her actions.
She is survived by her son, Mike Brown (Genelle) of Bonaire, Georgia; her daughters, Joni Lynn Brown of Fanning Springs, Florida, Debra Lynn Johnson of Augusta, Georgia, and Shirley Lynn Brown-Berchou (Tom) of Chicago, Illinois; her grandchildren, Chad Loseke (Jennifer), Misty Dawn Audette, Martin "Marty" Russell Wise (Amber), and Kenneth Johnson Jr.; her great-grandchildren, Emily Grace, Clayton Ray, Emberlynn Rose, and Emerson Coal; and her beloved grand-kitties, Abigail Rose "Abby" and Madison Blu "Maddie". She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Mickey; her husband, Russ; her grandson, Devon Johnson; and her brother, Charley Bill. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Shirley’s life was a testament to her love for her children and her resilience. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered.
A funeral service will be held at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida, on October 17, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., followed by a private reception for family and close friends. As Florida National Cemetery does not permit flowers, the family requests donations to Shriners Hospitals for Children, honoring the legacy of work and philanthropy Shirley and Russ championed. Arrangements are entrusted to Steverson Hamlin & Hilbish Funerals and Cremations, 226 E. Burleigh Blvd., Tavares, FL 32778. (352) 343-4444.
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