Emily Brynne Brown

Emily Brown, age 38, was uplifted to the Lord on Tuesday, July 21, 2015, due to complications from metastasized breast cancer. Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 26 from 5-8 pm at Hamilton’s at 3601Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. Funeral service will be held on Monday, July 27 at 11:00 am at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1528 East University Avenue in Des Moines.

Emily was born on May 16, 1977 in Des Moines, Iowa to Kay and Jim Brown. Her life was defined by an amazing generosity of heart, time, and talent that touched everyone she met.

This could be seen through her music. Since playing in the sixth grade band, Emily had a strong passion for creating and sharing the gift of song. Whether leading guitar lessons for work colleagues or being moved by the spirit in church, her voice and personality filled the room and bound people in love.

Likewise, her sharing of energy, intellect and openness were always a constant on the job. Throughout her career in IT whether figuring out how to set up the network and servers at her first job or managing the development of mobile apps at Nationwide, Em had an amazing intellect and drive to solve, simplify and explain complex IT concepts.

As a Christian sister, Em shined as a bright light both as a member of Bethel AME and as a witness to the wonders of Christ’s love up to her time of passing. Her beliefs shaped the openness, sense of equality, and grace that she brought to every situation.

Emily is survived by her mother, Karen "Kay" Brown; her brother Stephen Brown; Kristina, Nick and other relatives and close friends. She was preceded in death by her father Jim Brown; grandparents, Mary and Quentin Johnson and Franklyn and Esther Brown; and friend Julia Kading.

In memory of Em, memorial contributions may be given to Bethel AME Church (betheldsm.com) or the Electronic Frontier Foundation (eff.org) in lieu of flowers. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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