Frances L. Brown, 89, of Urbana, passed away peacefully in hospice at Carle Foundation Hospital on January 27, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Friday, February 2nd, at Renner-Wikoff Chapel & Crematory, 1900 S. Philo Rd., Urbana. Funeral services at the funeral home will be held immediately following the visitation at noon on Friday, with Pastor David Ashby officiating. Burial will be held in Woodlawn Cemetery, Urbana.

Frances was born in Urbana, Illinois August 1, 1928, the daughter of Charles W. and Cecil (Kapp) Barcus. She married Everett E. Brown August 23, 1947; he survives. Also surviving are three sons, Steven Brown, of rural Urbana, Bruce Brown (Karen), of Urbana, Michael Brown (Jan), of St. Joseph, and one daughter, Barbara Brown, of St. Jospeh. Frances is also survived by two grandsons, Bruce Brown Jr. (Erin), of Champaign, and Blake Brown (Ashley) of Champaign, two great-grandchildren, Gage Everett Brown and Frances Wren Brown and one brother, Ward Barcus (Joy), of Urbana. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews who she dearly loved. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Barbara Paris, grandson, Steven Dale Brown, and many other loved ones.

Frances' longest held job was at Illinois Bell, where she started as a phone operator. After more than 30 years, she retired as a Maintenance Supervisor.

Frances had an enormous number of "non-biological kids" that she had taken under her wing and called them her own. She loved them all very dearly and they loved her as well. She was especially grateful for her friends, Brenda Borri and Jeanette McPherson.

Mrs. Brown loved animals and her Fighting Illini, but her true passion was taking care of our veterans. One of her family's proudest moments was when she and her husband were featured on WCIA's "Angels Among Us" for their care of our veterans at the Danville V.A. Hospital. For many years they had driven to Danville every other week to deliver t-shirts, shoes, pants and everything else that was needed. This was her passion.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Champaign County Humane Society. Memorial contributions may also be made to the Urbana American Legion Post #71/Veterans Fund so we can continue the work that was so very dear to Frances' heart. Condolences may be offered online at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.