LETA BROWN
Leta Brown, 88, formally of Kahoka, Missouri passed away at 9:06 am, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Knox County Nursing Home in Edina, Missouri.
Leta was born on October 2, 1937, in Kirksville, Missouri to Earl James Washington and Audrey Bell (Francis) Barnes. She was united in marriage to Harold D Brown and to this union seven children were born, they later divorced. She then enjoyed the companionship of J. W. Perry for many years, and he preceded her death on September 26, 2005.
Leta was a hard worker; she worked in housekeeping at the Clark County Nursing Home for over 28 years and took that job very seriously. She also spent countless hours thread in hand doing beautiful embroidery work. Leta was a woman who knew how to turn any gathering into a fun time. Whether she was shouting “BINGO!” at a gathering, strategizing her next move on a board game, or shuffling a deck of cards for a game, she liked bringing people together.
Leta loved to cook and you would find her in the kitchen frying up a batch of her famous fried chicken, baking a savory comforting meatloaf, or pulling apart her warm yeasty dinner rolls fresh from the oven. No one left her house hungry. Her legacy lives on in the recipes she perfected over the years. Family was Leta’s greatest achievement. She poured her heart, wisdom, and endless love into her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Leta is survived by her son Roy (Brenda) Brown of Kahoka, MO, daughters Brenda (Jerry) Cochenour of Arbela, MO, Debbie Wilbanks of Sandy, OR, Beverly (Everett) Frady of Kirksville, MO, Janet (Mark) Mattingly of Memphis, MO, Tami (Rick) Townsend of Farmington, IA, brothers Jim Barnes of Luray, MO, William (Joyce) Barnes of Theodosia, MO, sisters Mary Pat (Delbert Drummond) Armstrong of Luray, MO, Margaret (Kenny) Keller of St Louis, MO, Earlene Ash of Highland, IL, 22 grandchildren, 41 great grandchildren, 15 great great grandchildren and other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her 1st husband Harold, longtime companion J.W. Perry, daughter Cathy Thomas, granddaughters Carmen Cochenour, Dana Jenkins, Lexi Myers, grandson Luke Brown, sister and brother in-laws Mary Barnes, Harold Armstrong, Charles Brown, and Darrell Ash.
Funeral Services for Leta Darlene Brown will be held 11:00 am, Friday June 5, 2026, at Wilson & Triplett Funeral Home, Kahoka, MO. Pastor Donna Reid will officiate. Burial will follow at the Combs Cemetery, Luray, MO. Visitation with family present will be held at the Wilson & Triplett Funeral Home Friday, June 5, 2026, from 10:00 am until time of service at 11:00 am. Memorials in memory of Leta Brown are suggested to family checks payable to Brenda Cochenour..
Condolences may be left for the family at www.wilsontriplett.com
