ELENA DELORES WHEELER BROWN, age 79, died Friday, November 18, 2011, at her residence in Charleston.

She was born May 8, 1932 in Sikeston to the late W. Goldburn and Avis Ford Wheeler. A graduate of Diehlstadt High School, she had lived her entire life in Scott and Mississippi Counties and was a member of the United Methodist Church in Charleston. A former member of the Molly French Garden Club, and Junior Study Club, she had served as a Brownie Scout, Girl Scout, and Boy Scout leader. In addition to being known for her antique collections, her cooking skills, her love of books and her love of reading and playing bridge, she unequivocally loved the whole realm of nature – animals, birds, and plants. With her knowledge of plants, she could be considered at the least as an "amateur" horticulturist.


On August 11, 1951 she married Edward Riley Brown, Jr. who preceded her in death on June 12, 2008.

Surviving are two sons, E. Riley Brown III of Branson and T. Lynn Brown of Charleston; two daughters and one son in law, Mollie and Junior DeLay and Laurie Brown all of Charleston; six grandchildren, David Glenn Jackson Jr. of Cape Girardeau, Heather (Brent) Self of Ironton, Jessica Casey Lott of New Madrid, H. L. "Tyson" (Lindsay) DeLay III of Denver, CO, Whitney Sikes DeLay and Annie-Mollie W. DeLay both of Charleston; four great grandchildren, and one great granddaughter on the way.

She was preceded in death by one son, Jackson Garnett "Jack" Brown on December 5, 1990, and one brother, Willard Garnett "Sonny" Wheeler.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until the Memorial Service at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 22, 2011, at the McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston. Dan Faust, pastor of the Charleston United Methodist Church, will officiate.

Interment will be held at a later date in the IOOF Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the:
American Cancer Society
c/o Jeanne Rolwing
1306 State Street
Charleston, MO 63834
or
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place
Memphis, TN 38105