ORANGE, CALIFORNIA – Shirley “Sam” Brown passed away on Sunday, July 7, 2024, at home in Orange, California. She was surrounded with the love of her family. She leaves behind her husband of 54 years, Brad; son, Doug and his wife Christina; grandchildren Ashlyn (12) and Nolan (9) all of Orange, California; close family including sister-in-law, Jenny (Terry) Adams of Scottsdale, Arizona, and brother-in-law, Mike (Jamie Wilkinson) Brown of Torrington. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Carolyn Kelsey.
Sam was born in January 1948 in Worland to Chet and Martha (Ziesman) Mercer. She grew up as a ranch girl on the family sheep and cattle ranch in Hyattville. She graduated from the University of Wyoming with a BS degree in sociology and had a forty-year career in workforce development with the State of Wyoming and with the City of Phoenix. She particularly had a passion for assisting veterans in obtaining career development opportunities.
Sam married Brad Brown in 1970 and they made their home in Torrington where their son was born and raised. In 1997, they relocated to Scottsdale to be near family. After retirement, in 2014, they again relocated to be near their grandchildren in Orange.
Sam enjoyed many adventures and memorable travels with Brad. Her greatest joy was time spent with family and attending her grandchildren’s various games, events, and performances.
Sam will be most remembered for the love she shared, compassion, and commitment to help others.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at 2 p.m. at Canyon Hills Presbyterian Church, 190 South Fairmont, Anaheim, California, 92808.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Susan G. Komen, 13770 Noel Road, Suite 801889, Dallas, Texas 75380 (https://www.komen.org/how-to-help/donate/memorial-giving/) or a charity of your choice.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at 2 p.m. at Canyon Hills Presbyterian Church, 190 South Fairmont, Anaheim, California, 92808.
