Marianne E. Brown

Marianne E. Brown, 86, of Mattawan, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at her home in Mattawan.

She was born November 18, 1939, in Mattawan, Michigan, the daughter of Carroll R. Rix and Lorene K.(Zielie) Rix.

Marianne graduated from Mattawan High School with the class of 1957. She went on to work as a banker for many years, eventually becoming vice president of the bank. Marianne enjoyed traveling in her fifth wheel trailer along with her family and friends, knitting, and working in her yard.

Marianne married James O. Woodward on November 15, 1958, he suddenly passed away on April 15, 1977. She was fortunate enough to find love a second time when she met Gerald L. Brown. The two married on July 27, 1979, and remained lifelong partners until his passing on March 11, 2025.

She is survived by her son, Michael (Anne Carlock) Woodward; daughter, Sheri (Jeff Duncan) Woodward; step-daughters, Lori (Larry) Edgerly, Lisa Lepley, and Linda (Joe) Abercrombie; grandchildren, Jessica (Chris) Wilcox, James (Jennifer) Lepley, Sawyer (Marquette) Duncan, and Carver (Brian Rodriguez) Duncan; great-grandchildren, Logan, Alex, Landen and Emma; brother, James (Geraldine) Rix; and sister, Janet (Arthur) Alexander, along with many nieces and nephews.

Marianne is preceded in passing by her parents, husbands, James Woodward and Gerald Brown and brothers, Daniel (Carol) Rix and Thomas (Karen) Rix.

In accordance with Marianne's wishes, cremation will take place. She will be laid to rest at Maple Grove Cemetery in Mattawan.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the doctors and nurses at Centrica Care Navigators. Their hard work and delicate care made Jerry and Marianne's final months comfortable and possible for them to stay at home peacefully.