Beverly Wanda Morris Brown

Beverly Wanda Morris Brown passed away peacefully at 9:50 am, 28 April 2017, 4 months shy of her 90th birthday, in company of a few of her family members. Her sacrifice is complete and spirit is at peace in the arms of her Savior.

Beverly was born 30 August 1927 in Sandy, UT, to Mary LaPreal Park and John Earle Morris, with siblings Mildred I Nelson, Verdonna L Morris Frear, Marilyn D Morris, and Earl R Morris, the surviving member of the family. Marilyn passed away in her youth; something that impacted Beverly the remainder of her life.

She grew up in the Sandy area and completed her education at Jordan High School, where she held a school office, was a member of the Charlinion Club, and played French horn in the orchestra. She graduated in 1945. Beverly married Julian Neff Brown in 1946, and they had 3 children; Kent Lee, Colleen Kay, and Russel Morris. Beverly & Julian divorced in October of 1985; she never remarried.

Beverly was very passionate about music and teaching. She began teaching accordion at the Progressive School of Music in Salt Lake City when she graduated from high school in 1945. Beverly performed regularly and professionally for many years on KDYL radio and throughout the area. She later added piano to her teaching, and, from her home, taught accordion and piano for almost 60 years to hundreds of students, so many, she said, that she lost count. She continued to receive annual Christmas cards from several of her students to the end of her life.

Beverly was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints all her life. She held positions as a Primary and Sunday School teacher, Relief Society president and counselor, Sunday School Board member, Stake Relief Society Board member in 2 stakes, Sandy & Midvale, and was a visiting teacher from 1959 until the last couple of years of her life. She was a perennial choir director, conducting choirs in wards and stakes in the Sandy / Midvale area most of her life. She constantly read the scriptures, particularly the Book of Mormon, until her eyes wouldn’t allow it any longer.

Perhaps her greatest devotion was reserved for her family, consisting of 3 children, 20 grandchildren, and 39 great-grandchildren. Though a good portion of her family lives in the Midwest and Florida, everyone eventually gathered at Grandma’s house when possible. Beverly was known for Sunday & holiday dinners, especially her homemade rolls, and scone nights. She was a wonderful cook and a gracious hostess. She loved to go walking, ride bikes, and beat her family at bowling. All of these things were made infinitely better when shared with her family. There was a time when Beverly could keep up with, and often run rings around, all of her family. Because of this, she earned the loving nickname “Grambo”. Though illness and eventually time took that energy from her, we will ever remember her that way.

Beverly is survived by her son, Kent L. Brown (Dolores), her daughter, Colleen K. Bender (Dennis), her son, Russel M. Brown (Melinda), 20 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, and her brother, Earle R. Morris (Robyn, deceased).

The family would like to offer our eternal gratitude for the care given Beverly in her final days, in particular CNS Hospice Services, and specifically Stephanie Workman, who visited her regularly and offered wonderful service and advice in her last days.

Funeral services for Beverly will be held at 1 pm, Wednesday, May 3, 2017, at the Parrish Canyon Ward building, 610 N Rowland Way, Centerville, UT. Friends and family may visit Tuesday evening, between 7 and 9 pm, at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 295 N Main, Bountiful, UT, or Wednesday, 11:30 to 12:30, at the church. Interment will be at the Sandy City Cemetery.