Barbara Ann Wisman Brown, 74, Leawood, Kansas, passed away on June 4th, 2013 after a courageous battle with ALS.
Barbara was born in Kansas City on November 9, 1938, the daughter of Guida Evans and Martin Wisman. Barbara lost her father early in her life, he was an American soldier who died in a German POW camp during WWII. Barbara’s young childhood was in Kansas City’s northeast side. Upon her Mothers marriage to Grant Minor, they moved to Wichita, Kansas, where she graduated from Wichita North High School in 1956. She attended Wichita State University where she was a member of Delta Gamma Sorority.
She and her husband Ed Brown met while attending high school together and were married in September, 1958. Barbara was the loving mother of sons Brian and Brad, daughter in law Laurie, and grandchildren Harrison, Meredith and Emma. She dearly loved her sister Linda, brother-in-law Al Diombala, and her niece Ashley Pearce. Barb enjoyed music, theater, travel, movies, laughter, her family and many good friends. She was a lifelong tennis player and founding member at OP Racquet Club, where she continued to play with friends even after her ALS diagnosis. The family would like to especially thank all the friends who visited Barbara during her illness, and extends its gratitude to the kind, helpful people at the Claridge Court nursing home and Continua Hospice.
A service in celebration of Barbara’s life will be held at 2:00 on Tuesday, June 11th at Heritage United Methodist Church, 12850 Quivira Road, Overland Park. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the ALS Association, Keith Worthington Chapter 6950 Squibb Rd Mission, KS 66202. Assistance by Funeral Advocates LLC. Arrangements entrusted to Signature Funerals 8019 State Line Rd. KCMO 64114 816-214-5174 www.cathyb6.sg-host.com
To the family: My sincere condolences. There is no greater pain than the death of a loved one. Sometimes it seems almost more than a person can bear. Jehovah God helps us with this in His word. He promises us that He will put a stop to all sickness and death will be no more (REV 21;3.4) Jehovah also shows His love for us through the ransom sacrifice of His beloved son Jesus Christ. What a wonderful gift to be given ! Then the hope of seeing one’s loved ones again on this earth transformed in a paradise as it was Jehovah’s will when He created Adam & Eve . (Genesis 1:26,27; John 5: 28,29; Psalms 37:11,22,29). If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at: ricruiz@aol.com
Sincerely.
Dear Ed,
I am so sorry for your loss. I just wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts. Although I cannot be there, you are in my prayers. Connie Derry
I shall remember Barbara as a fine tennis player and a gracious friend.
Fondly,
Vicki Nulton
Ed, Sheryl and I offer our condolences. To this day, I still remember Barb and the boys at the 14th and Baltimore office soon after I joined IBM.
Ed, we’ve been out of touch for decades; stints in IBM Japan and IBM China intervened. But seeing the notice from the St.Louis IBM alum group spurred me to write to say how much I admired you from our occasional contacts in the field.
My strongest condolences on the loss of your wife, Barbara. She sounds like soeone who was as extraordinary and winning as we IBM’ers all found you to be. I hope your grief will pass soon enough, softened by her memory.
Best Regards, butch casanova