Laura Brown

Laura Phyllis "Penny" Brown, 84, of Lee's Summit, was born, August 9, 1931, in Excelsior Springs, the daughter of Acel A. and Alma L. (Long) Carpenter. She departed this life Monday, March 14, 2016, at the John Knox Village Hospice House surrounded with love and family.

In 1950, she was united in marriage to Richard A. McManis and to this union one child, Debi McManis, was born. Penny raised Debi in Alaska and loved to tell stories about their time living there. In 1971 she was united in marriage to Sherman L. Brown and to this union two children, John Friel and Sherry Brown were born.

Penny was employed as a waitress and bartender in the early years of her life. Later she became a full time mom for John and Sherry as well as all the neighborhood kids. She loved cooking, baking, and giving advice to all the teenagers that were always at her home. She enjoyed thrift stores, garage sales, baking, crossword puzzles and the Kansas City Chiefs. Her biggest love of all was her family! She was a giver of love, advice, and gifts; you almost never left her house empty handed. Her last several months were spent in John Knox Village Hospice where she loved sitting in the garden. The nurses and staff loved her as if she was one of their own. Sherman said it best "She was a fine woman". She will forever be missed and loved.

The family would like to say thank you for the outstanding care and support provided by all the staff and nurses at Village House.

Penny was preceded in death by her parents; several siblings; and one great grandson, Bentley Michael Nelson.

She is survived by her ex-husband, best friend, and companion Sherman Brown, of Pleasant Hill; 3 children, Debi Dains, John Friel, and Sherry (and Jamie) Ray all of Pleasant Hill; 10 grandchildren, Dawn (and Jim) Starr, Richard (and Hollie) Youngblood, Michael (and Jayme) Dains, Jeremy (and Heather) Dains, Matthew Dains, Lucas Linden, Madison Thompson, Garrett Friel, Jordan Friel, and Summer Ray; 16 great grandchildren; 8 great-great grandchildren; 1 brother, Mickey (and Sandy) Carpenter of Parkville; one sister, Mert Winters of Raytown; other relatives; and a host of many friends.

Funeral services were held Saturday, March 19, 2016, at the funeral home. Reverend Jay Collins officiated. Burial was in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Casket bearers were Jeremy Dains, Matthew Dains, Michael Dains, Garrett Friel, John Friel, Lucas Linden, Jamie Ray, and Richard Youngblood. Honorary casket bearers were Chad Woodall, Ashton Youngblood, and Bryce Youngblood.

Memorial contributions are suggested to John Knox Village Hospice and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.stanley-dickeyfuneralhome.com

Arrangements: Stanley-Dickey Funeral Home, 203 N. Armstrong, Pleasant Hill, Missouri 64080 (8160 540-5550