Debra Lee Brown

Debra Lee Brown, 71, of Normal, passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by family, on Nov. 6, 2025.

Debra was born Sept. 19, 1954, in Kansas City, Mo., a daughter of the Rev. Raymond R. and Marjorie White Kenison. She married Craig Brown on July 16,1981, in Hannibal, Mo. He survives.

Debra was a 1973 graduate of Hannibal High School. She studied business at the University of Missouri-Columbia and worked in banking.

Debra cherished time spent with her family. She especially enjoyed supporting all her nieces and nephews while they participated in sporting, musical, dancing and school events, and doting on them like an aunt should.

Debra also liked to spend time quilting and taking trips with fellow quilters. She enjoyed sewing and making doll clothes for her nieces, tending to her flowers and going antiquing with her sister.

Debra loved all animals, especially her cats, and often organized family trips to the St. Louis Zoo. Debra and Craig enjoyed riding their bicycles on trails in Normal and Bloomington, and along the Atlantic Ocean in their favorite vacation spot, Jekyll Island, Ga.

In addition of her husband, Debra is survived by her mother; one sister, Peggy (Don) Crim of Quincy; two brothers, Ray Kenison and Robert (Jana) Kenison, both of Hannibal; four nieces, Jessica (Chris) Dedert and Jackie Long of Quincy, Madison Banton of Hannibal and Whitney Sethaler of Pittsfield; two nephews, Nathan (Lacey) Crim of Quincy and Jacob (Shelby) Kenison of Hannibal; 14 great-nieces and great-nephews, Kyndall and Samuel Crim, Olivia and Alexander Dedert, Isabella, Christina and Ava Long, Brandon Jackson, Taegan, Lincoln and Berkley Banton, Ronan and Eleanna Kenison and Cadence Sethaler; one brother-in-law, Chris (Janet) Brown of Pittsfield; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Debra was preceded in death by her father.

Smith Funeral Home & Chapel in Hannibal is in charge of arrangements.

 A private family service and burial will be held at a future date.

Memorials are suggested to the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home, 1300 Saint Charles Rock Road, Bridgeton, MO 63044.