Norma Lee Brown

Norma Lee Brown, 93, of Carthage, IL, passed away peacefully on Monday, November
3, 2025, @ 6:30am at Memorial Hospital in Carthage with family at her side.
Norma was born on May 13, 1932, at home in rural Astoria, IL. She was the daughter of
Sheldon and Ruby (Webb) Stremmel. Norma graduated from Farmington High School in
1950. On December 22, 1951, Norma was united in marriage to Charles D. Brown in
Canton, IL.
Norma is survived by her children, Barton (Mary) Brown of Canton, IL, and Stacey
Sparrow of Carthage, IL; her sons in law, David Prior of Carthage, IL, and Bill Geissler
of Basco, IL; her brother, Roger Stremmel of Canton, IL; her sisters in law, Phyllis
Stremmel of Canton, IL, Billie Stremmel of Toluca, IL, Hazel Brown of Farmington, IL,
and Judy Brown of Canton, IL; her grandchildren, Chris (Jen) Murphy, Jason (Aurora)
Ballard, Erika (Chauncey) Redding, Adam (Betty) Sparrow, Brittany (Andy) King, Kayla
Prior, Taryn (John) Vincent, and Trey (Leah Ridgeway) Geissler; 16 great grandchildren,
and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Charles Brown, her daughters,
Teresa Geissler, and Sheila Prior, her son in law, Dave Sparrow, her brothers, Richard
and Dennis Stremmel, as well as numerous brothers and sisters in law.
In her earlier years Norma worked at the Overall Factory in Canton, IL until she was
needed to stay home to raise her 4 children. As the children grew older, she worked in
the Canton School District cafeteria as a server for a few years. During this time, she
also served as a timekeeper for the Fulton County Silver Gloves Boxing Association for
competition fights. Norma and husband raised many horses and attend countless
horseshows throughout her lifetime. She loved helping her husband in his woodshop,
sanding, staining, and finishing their beautiful furniture and home décor. Later in life, she
spent time as a daycare provider.
Norma was an avid gardener and loved her flowers. She always had big gardens and
beautiful flower beds. She loved knitting & crocheting and made many blankets for
family members. Norma also loved making crafts and ceramics. She was a loving
mother and devoted wife, always taking care of the children and supporting her
husband. She was the glue that held everything together. She enjoyed nothing more
than spending time with her family, especially her grand and great-grandchildren. Many
will remember her sharp and picture-perfect memory. Norma never knew a stranger.

Norma loved the church and was very strong in her faith. She is a member of Mt. Zion
Primitive Baptist Church near Astoria, IL for many years. After moving from Canton, IL
to Carthage, IL, Norma routinely attended Providence Primitive Baptist Church. She
was also a member of the Carthage Newcomers Club for numerous years.
Visitation will be held from 4 – 7pm on Monday, November 10, 2025 with funeral service
to be held at 11am on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at Printy Funeral Home in
Carthage with burial to follow at Moss Ridge Cemetery in Carthage.
A memorial fund has been established. Printy Funeral Home is handling arrangements.