Elizabeth "Liz" Marie Brown

Elizabeth "Liz" Marie Brown, 81, of Palestine, IL, passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2026, in the comfort of her home.

Born on January 12, 1945, in Vincennes, IN, Liz was the daughter of John & Josephine (Roach) Coy, both of whom preceded her in death. She married Richard "Dick" Brown on January 21, 1961, and together they built a life marked by perseverance, devotion, and family. He preceded her in death on February 2, 2019.

She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Richard Coy, Johnny Coy Jr., Helen Scott, Mary Ann Coy, Heather Coy, Esther Coy, Kathy Merrill, Pansy Baker, and William Coy, as well as by her daughter-in-law, Tina Brown.

She is survived by her son, Jason Brown; by her daughters & sons-in-law, Teresa & John Riggs and Lisa & Dennis Brown; by her grandchildren, Mikki & Brandon Breidenbaugh, Natalie & Jared Galeener, Daniel & Audrey Buchanan, and Josh & Amber Riggs; by 10 great-grandchildren; by her siblings, Clara Lane, Roger Coy, and John Coy; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Liz grew up in Vincennes, and the hardships of her early years helped shape the woman she would become. Having known a tough childhood, she was determined to make sure her family was cared for. That resolve stayed with her throughout her life. She was strong, full of spunk, and carried within her both grit and tenderness. She could be a woman of tough love, but beneath it was a deep and abiding devotion to the people she loved most.

Over the years, Liz worked in a variety of roles, including as a nurse's aide, in home health, in factory work, and as a private personal assistant. No matter the job, she brought diligence and a caring heart. That same spirit was especially evident in the way she dedicated herself to caring for her younger brother, William Coy, a role she embraced with quiet faithfulness and love.

More than anything, Liz will be remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was the kind of person who opened her doors to others, offering hospitality freely and loving generously. She had a big heart and a giving nature, and those who knew her experienced the warmth of that firsthand. And through it all, her beloved dog, Dixie, was faithfully by her side.

She also knew how to bring creativity and comfort into a home. Liz enjoyed sewing, especially making Raggedy Ann doll clothes, and she was known for baking cakes for weddings. She loved to cook and was especially known for her Christmas cookies and brittle. She enjoyed watching soap operas, and in all these simple pleasures, she made life feel a little fuller for the people around her.

It was Liz's wish to be cremated, with a private graveside service to be held at a later date. Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is assisting with arrangements.

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