Annetta Deloris Brown

Annetta Deloris Brown, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2025, in Norman, Oklahoma at the age of 87. Born November 12, 1937, in Chickasha, Oklahoma, to Carvin and Alma Thorsen, Annetta’s life was a testament to God, love, family, and the joy of connection.

Annetta’s greatest joy was her family. She leaves behind her devoted husband of 67 years, Larry J. Brown; her three children, Debra Brown and John Cellar, Lynn Alan and Deidra Brown, and Gary and Jennifer Brown; five cherished grandchildren, Courtney Cellar, Lindsay Cellar and Michael Shimada, Caitlin Brown, Justin and KK Brown, and Lauren Brown; and a host of extended family and friends who will miss her dearly.

Annetta will be fondly remembered for her warm and welcoming spirit. Her home was a haven for all, where she effortlessly made everyone feel like family. Whether it was a holiday gathering, a simple afternoon visit or an extended months-long stay, Annetta’s open arms and generous heart created a space filled with love and laughter. She hosted pastors, missionaries, international students, family and friends for poolside picnics with as many as thirty guests and Christmas Eve extravaganzas with as many as sixty. One year, she even hosted Thanksgiving dinner for the Sierra Leone Ambassador to the United Nations! She had a gift for entertaining with her beautiful table settings and flower arrangements, and delighted in sharing her home, laughter and joy with others. She taught Sunday School for years and Vacation Bible School in Hackensack, New Jersey for many summers and delivered Meals on Wheels to many people in New Jersey, bringing a spirit of love as she served in this way. She taught many women in Thailand, New Jersey and Oklahoma to make sugar Easter eggs—a beautiful tradition that will be remembered as everyone enjoys them each year! Spending time with her grandchildren was one of her greatest pleasures, creating memories that will be treasured for generations to come. Living abroad in Thailand with Larry and her family, she enjoyed seeing and learning about life in twenty-one countries as they traveled the world together.

Annetta’s life was a beautiful tapestry woven with love, kindness, and unwavering devotion to Jesus and to her family. She and Larry had strong ties to Southwestern Seminary and set up an Endowment Fund for students of missionary families. She leaves a legacy of warmth and compassion that will continue to inspire all who knew her. While her last years were spent in a wheelchair, she always wanted to walk again; the family is comforted knowing she is walking again in Heaven!

A memorial service to celebrate Annetta’s life will be held on March 8th, 2025 at First Baptist Church of Norman. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to:

Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

P.O. Box 22500, Fort Worth, TX 76122

(Please reference “Larry and Annetta Brown Endowment Fund”)