Bessie E. Brown

Bessie E. Brown, 95, of Monticello, passed away at 5:00 pm, Saturday, March 8, 2014 at White Oak Health Campus in Monticello. She was born on February 12, 1919 in Flippin, Kentucky to the late Clarence J. and Pearl (Proffitt) Myers. On June 28, 1956 she married Ithamer Morvall "Brownie" Brown in Kirklin and he preceded her in death September 30, 1993. She was a 1939 graduate of Columbus High School and owned and operated Kirklin Cleaners for 30 years. She also worked at RCA for a number of years after she moved to Monticello. Bessie had formerly been a member of the Monticello Christian Church, but later attended church in Lafayette. She bought her first home in the 1940's at the age of 21 . Before she purchased the dry cleaners, she rode her Harley Davidson Motorcycle cross country. She stopped riding her Harley because it didn't look sophisticated. She professionally took care of the costumes for Sonja Henie, the Norwegian figure skater, film star and three time Olympic champion, for her ice shows when she skated in Indiana. Bessie enjoyed flower gardening. Surviving are two daughters, Kathy (Edward) McMeeken of Monticello, Barb (Clifford) Davis of Brookston; sister, Havana Buchanan; two grandsons, Eric Harris, Jeff (Jessica) Ireland; two granddaughters, Jennifer (Chris) Reynolds, and Lisa (Dustin) Hughes; and several great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Jesse Myers; sisters, Betsy Ross Myers, Helena Powell, Ruth Heater, and twin sister, Ruby Bradley. Visitation will be from 11 am until the time of services at 1 pm Thursday, March 13, 2014 at Springer-Voorhis-Draper Funeral Home of Monticello with Rev. Mark Foreman officiating. Burial will follow at the Bedford Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to White Oak Health Campus Activity Fund or to the Monticello Kiwanis Club. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Online condolences can be given at www.springerfuneralhome.com