Dorothy Jean Brown, 79, passed away April 25, 2026, at Hays Medical Center, in Hays, Kan. She was born July 25, 1946, in Randlett, Okla., to James and Margene (Nolan) Owens.

Dorothy married Everett Edward Brown Jan. 31, 1974, in Vernon, Texas. Dorothy worked for The Center for Counseling as a Transportation Director for many years until her retirement in 2011. She loved to dive into another world in reading murder mysteries and psychological thrillers books or play games on her iPad to keep her mind busy. Any chance she had, she spent time and made memories with her best friend, Debbie Levingston. She loved to cook and have her children and grandchildren over for meals. Any time spent with her family, brought immense joy, especially her great grandchildren.

Survivors include her beloved husband of 52 years, Everett Edward Brown; sons, Michael Brown and his wife Audra of Mountain Park, Okla., Jason Brown and his wife Angela of Perkins, Okla.; daughter, Shauna Buffinton of Great Bend; sisters, Marybeth Kulp of Frederick, Okla., Katie Murphy of Lawton, Okla., Cindy White (Jimmy) of Frederick, Okla., Susan Brown of Great Bend; brothers, Jimmy Owens of Frederick, Okla., Billy Owens of Okla., Danny Robert Owens (Melissa) of Tulsa, Okla.; grandchildren, Amber Brown, Cindy Brown, Brittany Brown, Trey Buffinton, Cadence Buffinton, Logan Brown; great grandchildren, Kannon Brown, Delaney Brown, Oliver Depiesse, and Eva Brown. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Verda Rea Gonzalez; infant sister, Sharley Ann Owens; sisters-in-law, Dolly Brown, Ann Owens; brother-in-law Eldon Brown.

Per Dorothy’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Private family services will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made out Golden Belt Humane Society, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS 67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune,April 28, 2026