Sandra Jean Brown

Centerfield, Utah - Sandra Jean Johnston Nelson Welch Brown, age 81, of Centerfield, passed away Tuesday, April 16, 2019 in Gunnison, Utah. She was born September 14, 1937 in Grand Island, Nebraska, a daughter of Harry Lee and Winifred Vesta Thiel Johnston. Her parents were later divorced. Sandy was raised by her step-father, Milford "Harley" Nelson. She grew up in Grand Island, attended Grand Island High School, Class of 1955. Sandy married Donald Lorn Welch on February 27, 1956 in Tijuana, Mexico. They had 4 children together, Laurie, Shari, Donnie and Hugh. They later divorced. She then married Earl B. Brown of Greenwich, Utah on November 22, 1975 in Axtell, Utah. They had one daughter together, Jennie Anne. They were later divorced. Sandy was an avid Nebraska Cornhusker fan and faithfully watched their games. She loved tennis and Andre Agassi and had videos of his matches that she watched repeatedly. She was always excited when he would win, even though she had seen the video a hundred times. She loved coca-cola and if you ever stopped at her home, you could tell that by her cute coca-cola decorated kitchen. Purple was her favorite color and she showed that in everything in her life. Even driving a purple Mercury Cougar years ago. Flowers were her passion. She loved them!!! Not to plant them in her yard, but she had many pots of pink and purple flowers. She loved receiving vases of flowers from everyone and if she didn't receive any, she would buy some for herself. There were always fresh cut flowers in her home. Purple of course!!! Sandy was a huge fan of Elvis Presley and listened to his music often. For her 80th birthday party, Elvis came and sang to her and danced with her. It was one of her favorite memories. She was always up for a trip to Mesquite, Nevada where she enjoyed playing a wild cherry slot machine. Sandy was a loving mom, grandma and great-grandma. She loved family get togethers and was so proud of her legacy. Sandy is survived by her children: Laurie Kay and Bill Davis of Centerfield, Shari Lee and Van Malmgren of Mayfield, Donnie Lorn and Trish Welch Jr. of Lehi, Hugh Dwight Welch of Centerfield, Jennie Ann and Chris Koford of Layton; 17 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and her sweet companion, her dog, Cindy Lou. She is preceded in death by her parents, her step-father, Milford "Harley" Nelson; and her siblings: Harley Lee Nelson, Katy Nelson Miles, Jerry Dean Nelson and Bruce Allen Nelson; and her grandparents: Dwight and Fannie Thiel. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 23, 2019 at 12:00 Noon in the Old Rock Church Reception Center, 150 South Main Street in Centerfield, where friends may call for viewing Tuesday morning from 10:00 to 11:30 prior to the services. Burial will be in the Mayfield Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.