Shirley Jane Pierce Brown

Shirley Brown was born January 1, 1930 in Jordan, MN, the second of six children born to Hildegard and Roland Hessing. She grew up on a farm, graduated from Jordan High, then earned a teaching certificate from Mankato State Teacher’s College.

In 1952, she married Gordon L. Pierce, a medical student from Good Thunder, MN. While he was in medical school, she taught 4th grade for five years. They moved to Portland, Oregon in 1956, and he became a partner in a family medical practice, now part of the Providence group.

Shirley turned to home-making in 1957 when daughter Karen was born, soon followed by Rebecca, Jeff, and Judy. As a family, they often hiked the Columbia River Gorge and soon graduated to mountain climbing with the Mazamas. Shirley climbed Mt. Hood, St. Helens, Adams, and South and Middle Sister, an accomplishment she was very proud of.

She returned to college in the 1970s, earning a BS in Arts & Letters from PSU in 1979.

Gordon died in 1982. Shirley traveled, took up square dancing as she had done in her youth, and in 1990 met and married Robert V. Brown, a fellow dancer. They enjoyed many trips together in his RV, with their dance friends, and through their time-share membership. Robert died in 2006.

Since childhood, Shirley played the piano, an avocation that lasted over 80 years. She played piano and organ for church and college groups, for holiday sing-alongs and family gatherings, and when she moved to Russellville, she played for both church services. Since 2017, her playing could be heard drifting into the hallways of both Russellville buildings.

She was a kind and generous woman devoted to her family and friends. Survivors include her son Jeffrey Pierce, daughters Karen Dale, Rebecca Jameson, and Judy Meyer, grandchildren Jared Cunningham, Ross Jameson, Kelly Jameson, and great grandchild, Chayse Cunningham.