Olene Brown

Olene Brown, 94, of Little Rock went home to be with her Heavenly Father on October 16, 2022. Olene was born in Tennessee on August 15, 1928. Olene was fondly known as "Shortie" or "Brownie", and best known as "Grandma" by her many grandchildren. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, daughter, aunt, and friend.

Olene found great meaning which strengthened her faith that she, her mother and daughter were all born on holy days honoring our Blessed Mother Mary.  Olene personified the very meaning of love. Her lifelong love and compassion for animals and all living things was deeply engrained in her heart, and she passed these same loving qualities to her son and daughter.  She instilled the love of reading to countless children opening their eyes to a world of knowledge for over 30 years as librarian at Our Lady of Good Counsel School.  In 1993 the school library was dedicated in her name.

Olene was a presence wherever she went warming the hearts of everyone she met. She lovingly shared her time in tangible ways with her many volunteer activities which included years at the St. Vincent Auxiliary and in her community. In 2019 she was honored with the President’s Volunteer Service Award. 

She is preceded in death by her husband of 54 years Garland L Brown; her parents William Ambrose and Ora Newsom Jones; brothers, Leon Jones, Lelton Jones, Melbern Jones and Newsom Jones.  Olene is survived by her two children, son, Danny Brown (Terese) and daughter, Teresa Brown; grandchildren, Lisa Zinnamon (Ed), Dawn Hammonds (Jeremy), Karen Cotterman (Clay) and Michael Brown; six great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren; and adoring nieces and nephews. 

A visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Thursday, October 20, 2022 with rosary immediately following. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 A.M. Friday, October 21, 2022 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Forest Hills Cemetery in Alexander, AR.

Arrangements entrusted to Smith Little Rock Funeral Home.