Shirley Brown

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.”

Seasons

A Life Story

Spring years:

Shirley Mae (Prins) Brown was born on June 2, 1937 to Bert and Thressa Prins, at home in Holland, Michigan. Shirley was the youngest of six children, born in the midst of the Great Depression. When asked what childhood was like, Shirley said her parents were wonderful parents who taught her the value of hard work and the importance of family. Kickball was a favorite neighborhood pass time. World War II brought change to the Prins household. Shirley’s three oldest brothers, Julius (Juke), Harvey, and George served in WWII. A doted upon youngest sibling, Shirley remembered watching for them from the sidewalk, when they would come home on leave.

Her high school years were remembered fondly. Shirley and her friends would take the ferry from Kollen Park to Ottawa Beach. One of Shirley’s earliest jobs was as a server on roller skates at A&W. Shirley graduated from Holland High School and worked at the Holland Furnace Company.

Summer years:

Shirley crossed paths with Timothy Brown at a jazz concert over Labor Day Weekend in 1960. She caught Tim’s eye and courtship began. They were married two years later, August 31, 1962, also Labor Day Weekend. The young couple moved around a bit as Tim took steps up the corporate ladder. Work brought them to St. Joseph, Michigan, Cincinnati, Ohio, Youngstown, Ohio, and then to Fenton, Michigan, where Shirley and Tim raised their family. They chose Fenton because it reminded them of Holland, and it was within commuting distance for Tim. They chose a colonial house on a cul de sac, in a neighborhood with many kids. “Hide and Seek” and “Kick the Can” were favorite pastimes. Shirley was passionate about her family, home, yard and flower gardens, and she lavished love on them all. Shirley had a way of making things special and making family feel loved.

Fall years:

As the nest became empty, work brought Tim and Shirley back home to West Michigan, in 1986.

Shirley and Tim selected and built their new home in Cascade, Michigan. Again, Shirley found joy in yard work, growing her flowers, and in her family.

Grandchildren arrived and Shirley loved being an active grandma. She would have her grandchildren over for sleepovers and she loved to ‘spoil’ them. Christmas, Easter, and birthdays at the Browns were full of plenty of good food and probably too many perfectly wrapped, matching packages. Shirley always tried to make birthdays special. She called every child and grandchild first thing in the morning on their birthday to sing the “Happy Birthday” song and start their birthday with joy and a smile! Many sporting events and concerts were attended!

Winter years:

The new century brought a final move, back home to Holland, Michigan. Shirley and Tim attended the graduations of grandchildren and the funerals of all of Shirley’s siblings. While there were joys and struggles, as at all times, this season also brought illness and suffering. A woman of faith, Shirley modeled regular prayer for her family, and in her final weeks she relied on it. Worry could be an issue for Shirley, but she knew Who to go to for help and assurance. On October 22, 2021, Shirley Mae (Prins) Brown was called home by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, where she is now free from suffering and at peace.

Shirley Mae (Prins) Brown, age 84, of Holland a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, was called home by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on the morning of October 22, 2021.

Shirley was born on June 2, 1937 to Bert and Tressa (Walters) Prins. She graduated from Holland High School and worked at the Holland Furnace Company. She was a member of Noordeloos Christian Reformed Church. Shirley loved beauty and found joy tending both her family and her yard and gardens.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings Julius Prins, Harvey and Vee Prins, George Prins, Floyd and Bess Prins, and Ann and Bernie Laarman.

Shirley is survived by her husband of 59 years, Timothy Brown and children; Mitch and Tina Brown, and Jennifer Brown Thompson; her grandchildren: Grace Thompson, Rose Thompson, Faith Thompson, Paul Thompson, Samuel Thompson, Jake Canfield, Luke Canfield, and Hannah Canfield, great-grandson Jaden Canfield; Sisters-in-law: June Prins, Sarabeth Clevenger, Abigail Brown, Prudence McGrath and brother-in-law: Tony and Eloise Brown; numerous nieces and nephews and cousins.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 pm, Thursday, October 28, 2021 at Noordeloos Christian Reformed Church, 4055 112th Avenue in Holland. Rev. Brady Mulder will be officiating. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 2-4 and 6-8 pm, on Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at Dykstra Funeral Home-Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas Avenue in Holland. Memorial contributions may be given to Norrdeloos Christian Reformed Church.