Grace Keen Brown's Obituary
Grace Keen Brown passed away on October 26, 2018 following a short illness. She was preceded in
death by her husband of 49 years, Murray M. Brown, Jr., and her son Murray, III. Grace was born in
Philadelphia July 23, 1927, the youngest of seven children, all deceased. She has been a resident of
Dade County since 1939, having moved here with her father Fenimore and brother Edwin Keen, and was
a graduate of Miami High.
Grace retired in 1998 after 27 years with the State of Florida: 19 years at FIU (where she was a founding
staff member) and 8 years with the Dept. of Children & Families, having served there as Finance Director
for Dade & Monroe Counties. Her friends all knew her as "Amazing Grace."
Grace was a Past Matron of South Miami Chapter #250, Order of the Eastern Star, and Past Grand Ruth
of the Grand Chapter of Florida. She served as Secretary of her chapter since 1988. Grace was also a member of the Daughters of the Nile, Nahum Temple No. 75.
Grace is survived by her loving children Patricia Blystone of Manassas, VA, and James of Miami; grandchildren Michelle Brown Lopez, Murray M. Brown IV (Liz), Taylor Brown (Melynda), Jennifer Blystone Morris (Kevin), Erin Blystone Acosta (Daniel), and James, Jr. & Steven Brown; and great-grandchildren Alexis Lopez, Abby & Zachery Morris, Sydney & Murray Brown V, Anabella & Alexander Brown, and Emma & Jackson Acosta.
Grace's family was very dear to her and it was her hope that they will love each other as much as she
loved each of them. Words cannot describe how much she will be missed.
Services will be held at the Van Orsdel Funeral Home, 11220 N. Kendall Dr., on Saturday, November 10,
2018, with Visitation during 10am - 1pm, including an Eastern Star service at 12:00, followed by a private
burial at Flagler Memorial Park.
What’s your fondest memory of Grace?
What’s a lesson you learned from Grace?
Share a story where Grace's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Grace you’ll never forget.
How did Grace make you smile?
