Dorothy J. (Knight) "Judy" Brown

Dorothy J. (Knight) "Judy" Brown, of Battle Creek, MI


Judy passed away unexpectedly on Saturday evening, February 20, 2016, at the age of 74.

Judy was born in Battle Creek. She attended Hillsdale College and graduated with a BA from Western Michigan University. While in college, she married Edwin Reynolds and they later moved to Sarasota, FL for 6 years. Judy later returned to MI. She later married Curtis Brown and moved to Nashville, IN, where she lived for the next 25 years. There she served in a number of civic and community organizations.

After Judy returned to Battle Creek, she was a caseworker for the Area Agency on Aging at Burnham Brook, and also for Guardian Finance and Advocacy. She found helping her clients improve their lives very rewarding.

Judy retired in 2015. She loved making new friends and getting reacquainted with old friends. She enjoyed giggling with the girls as often as she could, and inherited her father's mischievous side (with a twinkle in her eye). She loved her 2 cats, enjoyed her sons very much, and spent time almost daily with her brother. Recently, she began exploring her ancestry in Arcadia and Onekama. She loved travel and adventures, and frequently explored Lake MI or any natural setting.

Judy was well known and loved throughout the community, always quick with a smile, hug, or caring word, and enjoyed helping people. She was a member of Unity Church in Battle Creek where she also served as Secretary of the Board.

Surviving are her children, Jeff Reynolds (and husband, Marcos Lorenzo) of CA and Rob Reynolds of FL; brother, Bob Knight; sister-in-law, Betty Knight; nieces, nephews, granddaughter and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, George Clinton Knight and Dorothy (Putney) Knight (founders of the former Knight's Appliances), and a brother, George Knight.

The Memorial Service to celebrate Judy's life was held on Friday, February 26th at 3:00 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, 145 Capital Avenue, N. E., Battle Creek, MI, and the Rev. Ann Ashby, Pastor of the Unity Church of Battle Creek, officiated. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Judy's honor may be directed to the Humane Society of South Central Michigan, 2500 Watkins Road, Battle Creek, MI 49015 or the Bronson @ Home Hospice, 165 Washington Avenue, Battle Creek, MI 49037. The Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek assisted Judy's family with her arrangements.