Mary Afton Brown

Mary Afton McNeill Brown, 92, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family in Bountiful, Utah on June 9, 2021. Mary was beloved by many and she will be dearly missed. We know, however, that when Mary joined her family and loved ones on the other side it was a long awaited and joyful reunion!

Mary was born June 26,1928 to her loving parents, Archibald McNeill and Edel Hansen. She grew up with her siblings David, Carolyn, and Florence in Salt Lake City, Utah. From an early age, Mary had a love for travel. She traveled by train and bus nearly every week with the passes she had from her father, who worked as superintendent of transportation for Union Pacific Railroad. Her travel bug continued through her life resulting in excursions ranging from journeying abroad to her father’s native Scotland to trips closer to home and “snow birding” to Arizona in the Bounder each winter. Mary passed on her affinity for travel to her children and grandchildren and she was always thrilled to hear about their frequent trips to places around the world.

Mary had a talent and love for textiles and sewing. She earned a degree in Textile Design from the University of Utah. She went on to pursue a teaching certificate and taught home economics for a few years then taught elementary students until she retired, having taught for 26 years by that time. Early in her teaching years, Mary met her husband, Cloyd George Brown and they were married in the Salt Lake Temple on September 24, 1954. They had four sons, Gaylen, Neil, Darryl, and Craig who they raised in Bountiful, where Cloyd and Mary would go on to spend the remainder of their days.

Mary spread beauty in the world with her skills in sewing, painting, and ceramics. She made several award-winning porcelain dolls and countless quilts which will continue to be enjoyed by her family for generations to come.

Mary was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for her whole life. She served as a Stake Missionary in her youth and again as a Service Missionary with her husband Cloyd at Deseret Industries in Centerville. Mary and Cloyd both served for many years as temple workers in the Bountiful Temple.

Mary is survived by her sister Florence, her four sons, Gaylen (Kris), Neil (Cheryl), Darryl (Susan), Craig (Carole), 12 grandchildren, and 25 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, Edel Hansen and Archibald McNeill, her brother David and sister Carolyn, and her husband Cloyd.

Mary will be remembered as a devoted mother, a loving parent, a beautiful singer, a talented quilter and artist, an enthusiastic travel companion, and the “candy grandma.” Her love for her family was well known and felt with every visit or phone call. We miss her with all our hearts. Until we meet again.

“Flow gently, sweet Afton
Among thy green braes.
Flow gently, sweet river,
The theme of my lays:
My Mary’s asleep by thy murmuring stream,
Flow gently sweet Afton,
Disturb not her dream.”
-Robert Burns

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 18, 2021 at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful, where a viewing will be held Thursday evening from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. and Friday morning 9:00-9:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment-Bountiful City Cemetery.