Norma Jean Brown

Norma Jean Brown passed away peacefully at home in Indianapolis, Indiana on December 19th, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. She was born on September 27, 1936, in Nashville, Tennessee, to Elijah “Bud” Chambers and Alta Chambers. She spent her childhood among the rolling acres of her family’s small farm, a place that shaped her deep love for home, family, and the beauty of a life well-tended. She especially loved reminiscing about her Mama and her childhood in Tennessee; stories she carried with her throughout her life.

After graduating from high school, Norma moved north to Indianapolis, alongside her lifelong friend and cousin, Ann Allen, whose companionship and friendship remained a constant source of joy throughout Norma’s life.

Those early years in Indianapolis marked the beginning of a long and meaningful chapter. From renting a room in a boarding house on the Old North Side to evenings spent enjoying the city, Norma was building a life all her own.

It was in Indianapolis that Norma met the love of her life, Delton Turner Brown, at a local Dive In called “The Pole.” What began as a simple glance quickly grew into a deep and enduring love. Norma and Delton were married on May 5, 1957, in Indianapolis, beginning a partnership rooted in devotion, family and shared purpose.

Together, they built a beautiful life and made their home on South Arlington Avenue on Indianapolis’s east side. There, they laid deep roots and raised four children, in this order: Teresa Susanne Brown (who preceded her in death), Randy Dale Brown (Rhonda), Gina Lucinda Horner (Ray), and Kelli Jean Hoyt (Steve). From this foundation grew a remarkable family legacy of 10 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren, a living testament to a life poured generously into others.

Norma loved being home and raising her family. She cherished her role as a wife and mother, finding joy in caring for those she loved. Her home was always warm, welcoming, and full of people, of laughter, and some of the best food across the Midwest. She cooked big meals for her family and was especially known for making the very best chicken and dumplings. She loved to sew and often made new curtains for her home, took pride in decorating, and found peace working in her garden. Summers were spent tending vegetables, canning the harvest, and making jams and jellies from the grapes on their vines.

In 1970, Norma and Delton started Brown’s Roofing, Inc., building a business together that reflected their work ethic and commitment. Norma remained involved until her retirement, and today the company continues on as a successful, family-run business.

Norma was also a natural beauty, known for her sparkle and timeless grace. She adored shopping, decorating, and all things beauty. On her dresser lived an impressive collection of perfumes and bold lipsticks in shades of pinks and reds, each one carefully chosen and well loved. Whether she was heading out or welcoming family into her home, Norma believed in taking the time to feel put together, a small but meaningful joy she carried throughout her life.

Above all, Norma was a caretaker. She helped raise dozens of babies, prepared countless homemade meals, snapped what must have been a million garden-fresh green beans, and loved her people with her whole being. If you walked through her front door, you were family and you were fed.

Norma was a lifelong Christian and was baptized at Southeast Baptist Tabernacle, grounding her life in faith that guided her through seasons of joy and hardship alike.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bud and Alta Chambers, her brother John Willard Chambers, and her daughter Teresa Susanne Brown.

What we will miss most isn’t just the familiar “Yoo-hoo!” called out from her recliner when you walked through the door, or the meals, or even the stories of her early adventures. What we will miss most is the warmth she carried, the care she gave so freely, and the love she poured into her family as the matriarch of the Brown family.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 pm, both taking place at Bell Mortuary & Crematory, Shangrila Chapel, located at 1444 W US HWY 52, Fountaintown, Indiana 46130. Officiating the service will be Pastor Mark Kern. The burial will follow at Acton Cemetery in Acton, Indiana.  

Online condolences at www.bellmortuary.com