Sandra Marie Crockett Brown

Sandra Marie Crockett Brown was born in Minden, LA on January 12, 1942, and passed away peacefully on August 6, 2023, surrounded by family.

Sandra, “Sansy” to many dear to her, was a beacon of beauty and artistry. She had a talent for creation and took great pleasure in art, color, and nature’s verdancy. As a born storyteller, she had a tale to fit any circumstance and saw humor in everyday events.

Sandra had an impeccable sense of style, always pairing the perfect outfit to the occasion, wherever in the world she might be. She loved to dance, especially with Edward, and they really could cut a rug. While she was petite, her fierce passion, especially when it came to her family, was evident. She could be deeply contemplative and had a wonderful capacity to curl up in just about any soft corner of the house, to read or reflect. She could often be found on a chaise on her glassed-in porch, overlooking the backyard and surrounded by art she had collected or created.

Books were ever-present in her life, as were memories about past events and family members gone yet ever close to her in heart and thought. Her father Howard, her sister Judy, her firstborn Marie Celeste—all taken so young—along with her mother Marie, accompanied her always. She spoke of them in ways that kept them close for others too.

During her school years, Sandra showcased her musical talents by playing the oboe and clarinet in the MHS band, in which she marched and then led as head majorette.

Upon graduation, she headed to LSU where she pledged Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority before responding to the call of family to return to north Louisiana to pursue a degree in Art Education at Louisiana Tech.

In 1967, Sandra and Edward married and began their life together in south Louisiana, first in Thibodaux and then Breaux Bridge, before again being called home to Minden, where she and Edward raised their boys and cared for their nieces.

Sandra's beauty was recognized early on when she was crowned Junior Miss Physical Culture, Minden High School Darling, and Miss Minden, a title that led her to represent Minden in the Miss Louisiana pageant. Later in life, her elegance graced the big screen with appearances in the Hollywood films "W." and "The Guardian,” experiences she enjoyed giggling about.

Although Sandra relished her time on stage, her most significant contributions were shared outside the spotlight. She taught in the public school system, nurturing the creativity of countless students. Her artistic talent was also evident in her work with the First United Methodist Church Altar Guild, where her flower arrangements added beauty to bereavement services, meals, and activities. She was a proud member of the Book Club of Minden, and actively served in the Garden Club. Her creativity shone in her ability to craft sets and background art for the Junior Service League school productions.

Above all, Sandra’s generosity knew no bounds. She gave selflessly to loved ones, always putting others' needs over her own.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard Perry Crockett and Marie Lites Crockett; her sister, Judy Crockett David; and her daughter, Marie Celeste Brown.

Sandra is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Dr. Edward Dewitt Brown, Jr.; sons, Benjamin Howard Brown, his wife Naran, and their son Reuben Edward of Chengdu, China, and Dr. David Alan Brown and his wife Kerry Micheal of Baton Rouge; nieces Lisa David Wright and her husband Crowley of Shreveport, Lori David Warren and her husband Jack of Heflin, Amy David Jones of Minden, and Polly David White and her husband Keith of Atlanta, GA.

She also leaves behind her sister-in-law Cora Lou Robinson and her children Jeff, Jon, and Courtney, as well as sister-in-law Mary Celeste Powers, her husband David, and their children Mark, David, Heather, and Jonathan. Additionally, she loved and was loved by many great-nieces and -nephews.

A celebration of Sandra's life will be held on Friday, August 11, at 2:00 PM, at the First Methodist Church on Broadway in Minden. All who knew and loved her are invited to attend.