Charleen Brown

Charleen (Charlie) Reagan Brown born March 8, 1926 in Clareville, Texas, passed away January 6, 2015 at her home in George West. Charlie was preceded in death by her parents, Pryor and Louise Reagan; three brothers, Clyde, Gene and Pat Reagan; and her beloved husband, Tige Brown. Her love of God, family, nature, community, and their land were unwavering and she was a true beacon of inspiration for so many. Charlie was a true cowgirl-once named the "Cowgirl Queen of the Rio Grande Valley." She grew up on ranches in South TX, learned to ride horses and worked cattle at a very young age. She graduated from Texas A&I University in Kingsville (now A&M Kingsville) in 1947 being the first woman in the state to earn a degree in Vocational Agriculture. There she also met her true love, S.T. (Tige) Brown and they married August 23, 1947. They moved to George West and began their lifelong work in church, school, and raising their family. Charlie began her teaching career in 1961, teaching 5th grade for many years. She later became the Jr. High Math teacher and was in this position until she retired. She coached number sense, developed a handwriting curriculum, and taught metric workshops all over Texas. She touched the lives of so many students and co-workers over the years. Charlie was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church. She taught Sunday school for many years and served in basically every area of service. Her tireless dedication and devotion to her church family will be missed. She was multi-talented as well. She learned to trick rope in college and performed in area rodeos, etc. This talent she shared until her early 80's, performing locally and abroad. She was a true artist and her leather tooled pictures hang in many South Texas motels and restaurants, and are treasured by family members. She loved music and learned to play a guitar in her 60's. Charlie had numerous awards and honors over the years. She was a participant in the Lantana Coronation, Aggie Club Sweetheart, and Who's Who among Students in American Universities during her college years. She was an Honorary member of the FFA and FHA-lifetime member. She was a recipient of the Lion's Club Appreciation Award, George West Loge Community Builder Award, SAR Medal of Appreciation, Martha Washington Medal, Outstanding Citizenship Award, Daughters of Liberty Medal and the Bishop's Exemplar Award for outstanding work in the Methodist Church. She was a leader of the Emmaus Community for South Texas and Music team for the Emmaus Community. Her memberships included Alpha Sigma Sorority, Aggie Club, Daughters of the American Revolution, Texas Cattlewoman's Association, Business and Professional Woman, Texas State Teacher's Association, Honorary Member of George West FFA and FHA and First United Methodist Church. Charlie is survived by her children, Turner Pryor Brown of Kingsville, Kathy Sue Pearce of Celina, and Richard Reagan Brown of George West. She is also survived by her brother, Dan Reagan; her French daughter, Helene Ratte; seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Charlie touched so many lives during her time on this earth. She will be remembered for her love, devotion, friendship, leadership, faithfulness and loyalty that are treasured, and will be missed by those of us that knew her. "Well done good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:21 Visitation was held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at Galloway and Sons Funeral Chapel in George West. Funeral service was conducted at 10 a.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2015 at First United Methodist Church in George West. Interment followed at the Oakville Cemetery in Oakville.