Elisabeth “Lea” Erna Brown, 89, died peacefully on July 28, 2026, leaving behind a rich legacy of love, family and community.
In keeping with her wishes, cremation care has been accorded and all ceremonies will be private. Interment will be in Morrisonville Cemetery.
Born August 8, 1937, in Hanau, Germany, to Gustav and Ilsa (Petri) Rufer, Mrs. Brown made the courageous journey to the United States, proudly becoming a US citizen in 1958, after meeting Darrell E. Brown while he served in the Army. They were married on December 18, 1954.
Alongside her beloved husband, Darrell, she became a staple of her local community. Together, they owned and operated the D and L Tap in Morrisonville for 25 years, creating a welcoming space filled with friendship and laughter. She loved crocheting, bird watching, especially hummingbirds, tending to her beautiful flowers and playing “Dirty Marbles”. She was a devoted mother, Oma, and sister whose greatest joy was her beloved family.
Mrs. Brown’s legacy lives on through her surviving family, including her children, Louise (Dan) Kent of Chatham, Kim (Jerry) Dunkirk of Morrisonville, Doug (Diane) Brown of Springfield; eight grandchildren, Chad (Kandice) Kent, Ryan Kent, Kristi (Chris) Rexroad, Darin (Ashlee) Dunkirk, Kevin (Samantha) Dunkirk, Alexa (Chris) Mathieu and Hannah and Ian Brown; 11 great-grandchildren, Braden, Allison, Scarlett, Rowan, Meadow, Lucas, Kason, Addison, Logan, Jack and Emilee; and two sisters, Erika Wafford and Helma Ervin.
Mrs. Brown is now reunited with many loved ones who went before her: her parents; her husband, Darrell; her beloved daughter, Deborah Brown; four brothers, Eddie, Helmut, Gerhardt and Walter Rufer; and two sisters, Wilma and Ella Rufer.
Those wishing to express their condolences to the family via a memorial contribution, may make a contribution to the Morrisonville Community Ambulance Service, 709 Sarpy Street, Morrisonville, IL 62546 or American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.
Assalley Funeral Home in Morrisonville is honored to be serving the family. Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories or offer condolences to the family.
