Mary Neal Brown

Mary Neal Brown, lovingly known to many as Neal, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2025, in Perkinston, MS. Neal was born on a snowy Christmas day in 1938 to proud parents William Foust and Birdie Sumpter in the small town of Wynne, AR. Her radiant smile and generous spirit were joys to all who knew her throughout her 86 years. Neal was the cherished matriarch of a close-knit family, leaving behind a legacy of love and treasured memories. Having shared 40 wonderful years with her late husband, Gerald W. Brown, they journeyed through life with mutual admiration and unwavering partnership. Neal is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Heather Lisec and her husband Rodney, as well as Hillary Smallwood. Her role as 'Grandma' to Carleton "Bubba" Baucum and his wife Raleigh, Abby, and Sydney Smallwood was performed with an unmatched blend of tenderness and zest. Neal's laughter will echo in the hearts of her great-grandchildren, Emery and Asher Baucum, who lit up her world. A graduate of the University of Mississippi, Neal's passion for education and the arts were reflected in her dedication to teaching baton twirling for four decades. She inspired countless young individuals, instilling in them confidence, discipline, and the joy of performance. Neal's legacy thrives in each twirler's spin and every student's flourish that she guided throughout the years. Neal lived her life as a testament to the values she held dear: love, resilience, and the importance of family. She was a beacon of guidance to her daughters and a playful architect of adventure for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her absence will be deeply felt, but the memories of her laughter, the wisdom of her words, and the steadiness of her love will continue to nurture and inspire her family for generations to come. As the sun sets on a life so vividly lived, we bid farewell to Neal, a woman of grace and vitality. Though she has left the earthly stage, her spirit dances on, baton in hand, under an eternal spotlight. Rest in peace, dear Neal, your melody will forever play in the hearts of those who love you. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Brown family in their time of need and asks that you remember them in your thoughts and prayers through the days ahead.