Mollie Etta Brown

MOLLIE ETTA BROWN

Mollie Etta Brown of Flatonia passed away on October 31, 2025. Born in Gonzales, Texas on October 26, 1936 to George Waverly and Della Mae (Helms) Williamson, Etta grew up in Flatonia where she attended Flatonia Public School and was very active in sports, playing basketball, and being a cheerleader and Football Sweetheart. After graduation, Etta married Millard “Sonny” Brown on September 3, 1955, and the couple was blessed with the birth of two daughters, Pam and Denise. Etta and the family lived in Bay City and Houston for several years and then returned to Flatonia in 1972 where they built a home on Brown Road in Colony. Etta worked as Secretary at Flatonia High School, and following the graduation of her two daughters, she spent time assisting her husband in operating his automatic transmission and air conditioning service. In 1982, Etta was hired as Branch Manager of the newly opened Fayette Savings branch in Flatonia. She worked there until she retired at age 65. Etta loved to make new friends and to be with people, so even after retirement, she continued to work at the bank part-time to be around all her many friends and acquaintances.

After fully retiring, Etta enjoyed life on the farm taking care of her pets and yard and enjoying a great deal of time with her two daughters making shopping trips to Austin and planning family events. Etta loved to travel and spend time with her family including cruises with her sister, trips to NYC or Boston to see her grandsons, and many destination weddings. She treasured time spent with her wonderful great-grandchildren, playing board games and card games (Uno was the favorite) or just being together. Etta was active in the Flatonia Methodist Church, Lions Club, and was especially involved in the upkeep of the Colony Church and Cemetery, her final resting place next to her husband. Etta will be greatly missed by all her family and friends with whom she so thoroughly enjoyed spending time. Wherever Etta went, she lit up the room and lifted everyone up. She was truly a gift to everyone who knew her.

Etta is survived by her sister Doris Modlin of Tyler; two daughters Pam (Jerome) Svatek of Flatonia and Denise (Guy) Berry of Bastrop; four grandchildren Jason Svatek (George Gehring) of Houston, Kevin Svatek (Doug Reepmeyer) of Boston, MA, Guy, Jr. (Tracy) Berry of Lillington, NC, and SueAnn Berry of Severn, MD; granddaughter-in-law Brianne (Adrian) Capetillo of Bryan; five great-grandchildren Rory Svatek, Rayleigh Svatek, Rollins Svatek, Heidi Berry and Chloe Berry; and great-great-grandchild Abel Svatek.

She was proceeded in death by her parents George Waverly and Della (Helms) Williamson; husband Millard “Sonny” Brown; grandchild Landon Svatek; sisters Victoria Graham, Lois Isle, Marie Itri, and brother Ray Williamson.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 6, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Smith Funeral Home in Flatonia.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 7 at the Flatonia Methodist Church at 10:00 am with interment following at the Colony Cemetery. After the interment, please join us for a reception and meal at the Flatonia Civic Center.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Colony Cemetery Association.

Smith Funeral Home in Flatonia is in charge of arrangements.