Loraine T. Brown, age 82, passed away peacefully on Monday evening, December 15, 2025, at HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, Illinois.

Born on November 23, 1943, in Mayo, South Carolina, to William Earle Turner and Mae Ruth Turner, Loraine developed a lifelong love for the ocean and cherished her southern roots. She attended Winthrop College and began her teaching career in South Carolina, where she taught for several years before moving to Illinois in 1975.

Her true passion was teaching science to fourth graders at Whiteside Elementary School, where she inspired and shaped young minds for 35 years. Loraine was dedicated to sharing her love of science, not only in the classroom but also at summer Science Camps, where she encouraged curiosity and discovery in hundreds of students through all her years as an educator.

It was her enthusiasm for science that led her to a farm experiment, resulting in a chance meeting with her future husband, McKinley A. “Mac” Brown. They married on August 9, 1996, and together enjoyed life on their farm in Southern Illinois as well as their home in O’Fallon, Illinois. After retiring, Loraine remained active with her family and community, especially through her involvement with P.E.O. Chapter EY, where she served as past president and formed many close friendships. She shared her gift of Southern hospitality with friends and family far and wide. Her generous spirit was a blessing to countless people.

In lieu of flowers and other gifts, memorial donations are suggested to P.E.O. Chapter EY (checks payable to: Chapter EY of PEO. Mail to: Joyce Eiserle, 5426 Temple Dr., Fairview Heights, IL 62208). Online guestbook and photo tribute are available at www.wfh-ofallon.com.

In addition to her parents, Loraine was preceded in death by her brother, Bill (Cynthia) Turner.

She is survived by her loving husband, McKinley “Mac” Brown of O’Fallon, Illinois; sons Jonathan (Jeri) Arnold of Millstadt, Illinois, and Jeff (Anne) Arnold of Cottleville, Missouri; her five beloved grandchildren—Brady, Evan, Riley, Henry, and Maggie Arnold; brother Tim (Noemi) Turner of Harbor Springs, Michigan; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 3–6 pm on Thursday, January 8, 2025, at First United Presbyterian Church, 1303 Royal Heights Rd., Belleville, Illinois. A memorial service will begin at 6 pm, officiated by Rev. Alexandra Lysdahl, with Julia Weeks delivering the eulogy.

She will be laid to rest at Jordan’s Grove Cemetery, near Baldwin, Ill., in a private family ceremony.

Arrangements are entrusted to Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O’Fallon, Illinois.