Anita Brown

Anita Irene Raymer Brown, 77, of Abilene, Texas, left her earthly home into the arms of Jesus on December 26, 2024, after a lengthy illness.

Anita truly knew that it was more blessed to give than to receive and her generosity knew no bounds. She was a beloved wife, daughter, mother, Nonnie, coworker, volunteer, friend and sister to many and will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her.

Anita was born on December 27, 1946, to Alto V. (Shorty) Raymer and Alma Ovialee Yates Raymer in Coleman, Texas. She attended schools in Abilene, Andrews and Coleman. Anita graduated from Coleman High School (Coleman, TX) in 1965. She was a proud Bluecat Alumna. After high school, she went on to study at Tarleton State College now Tarleton State University, in Stephenville, Texas. Anita was also a proud Texan Alumna as well.

After graduating with a bachelor's degree in Secondary Education with emphasis in Life Science in 1970, she joined the renowned profession of school education and the classroom. Anita taught within the Coahoma ISD, Blooming Grove ISD, Merkel ISD, Trent ISD, and Alvarado ISD for many years. She also returned back to Abilene to teach Adult Education Curriculum at The Bridge Adult Education Center until 1984. Anita was proud and treasured all her years in the classroom and loved every student that was placed in those classrooms. Keeping in contact with many of those students throughout the years. The impact she brought to the classroom was felt by all that were able to be a part of her love for it.

On July 4, 1976, in Coleman, Texas, at Trinity UMC, Anita married the love of her life, Michael Joseph Brown. They married on the bicentennial birthday of America and therefore Michael always called Anita his bicentennial bride. Anita and Michael went on to have four children: Anita Michelle in 1982, Alicia Renee' in 1983 and twin sons Daniel Mark and David Matthew in 1984.

In 1984, Anita paused her profession in Education to be a stay-at-home mom with her children. Where she utilized this time through volunteerism throughout the community of Abilene for various schools, youth and civic organizations. This is where some of her most treasured memories and friendships emerged. Anita was highly involved in PTA at Lee Elementary, Mann Middle, and Abilene High Schools She held all board officer positions including President of the Area Council for the Big Country area for PTA. She became a Lifetime Member of PTA in 1993. She also volunteered for Lone Star Little League, Abilene North Junior Senior Baseball League and Abilene North and Abilene South Softball. She was also a volunteer for the Bucs Youth football and cheerleading for many years as her children participated.

Anita was also a proud sister and member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority for over 50 years. She joined in 1974 and was able to receive her 50-year pin for membership in November of 2024 surrounded by many of her beloved sisterhood. Through BSP, Anita was able to volunteer through the West Texas Rehab Center annual telethon, Tree of Life for Hendrick Hospice and so many other numerous Abilene area charities throughout the years. Anita treasured this sisterhood and will always and forever.

As her children got older, the classroom was calling her name, and she returned to being a substitute teacher for the Abilene ISD for many years. In 1995, Anita went to work for the Texas Department of Human Services where she was able to use her gift for people and humanity in a whole different way. Building even more friendships that lasted a lifetime. Anita and her husband, Michael, taught Sunday School for many years together as well. So, the love for the classroom never wavered. Anita cherished her church families over the years, especially Crescent Heights Baptist, Calvary Baptist and Southwest Park Baptist, all in Abilene, dearly. Her love for Jesus and her testimony was something she held so dear always.

Anita was an avid sports fan and especially loved her Texas Rangers, Dallas Cowboys and UT Longhorns! She was always watching a game...Watching her Texas Rangers win the World Series in 2023 was a highlight after being a fan since 1972.

Anita was proceeded into the arms of Jesus by her daughter Anita Michelle Brown in June 1982, her father Alto V. Raymer in December 1984, and her mother, Alma Ovialee Raymer in September 2001. Numerous other family members and friends.

Anita is survived by her husband of 48.5 years, Michael Brown; her daughter, Alicia Brown; her two sons and their wives, Daniel Brown and Jaclyn and David Brown and Andrea; her 13 grandchildren, Dylan, Piper, Kadance, David (Junior), Avery, Farren, Thomas, Addison, Jack, Chloe, Noah, Finleigh, and Baron. Numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, family members and friends who love Anita dearly.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 3, 2025, from 6-8pm at Elmwood Memorial Chapel. A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 10 am at Elmwood Memorial Chapel with Interment to follow at Elmwood Memorial Park.

The family would like to thank with tremendous gratitude and sincerity, the numerous nurses and staff at Northern Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation, the nurses and doctors at Hendrick Medical Center and the Hospice nurses of Kinder Hearts for the care and love they showed Anita.