Helen Doris "Dorie" Brown, age 82 of Defiance, died on Monday, November 18, 2024 at Trustwell Living at Kingsbury Place surrounded by her family.

She was born February 19, 1942, to Nelson and Opal (Hiller) Matson. She married her best friend John Frederick "Fred" Brown February 17, 1961. He proceeded her in death on December 7, 2020. She missed him every day. Helen was the Registrar of Vital Statistics for the Defiance County Health Department. She retired after 20 years of service. Helen enjoyed traveling with her husband across the country and visited Branson Missouri many times. She loved music, singing, her family, and making milkshakes for her grandchildren when they visited. Helen's faith in God was her strength in her life and she passed on the love of Jesus to her children and grandchildren. She was an active member of Bethel Christian Church of Arthur.

She will be sadly missed by her children, Marv (Shellie) Brown, Dan (Stacie) Brown and Amy (Alan) Francis. She also leaves behind grandchildren, Ben (Melissa) Brown, Erin (Aaron) Miller, Britni (Levi) Chappuis, Tyler (Hailey) Brown and Alex Francis; great-grandchildren, Carson and Rylee Brown, and her sister Ruth Ann "Maggie "(Dave) Morehouse.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Frances Skiver, a brother, Dean Matson and two infant sisters.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024 from 9:30 am to 11:00 am at Bethel Christian Church in Arthur, Ohio. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 am at the church, with Pastor Chris Baker officiating. Helen will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery.

Preferred donations are to Bethel Christian Church, or Youth for Christ of Defiance.