Laura Brown

January 15, 1939 — June 15, 2026

Laura Brown

Service Details

Laura Brown was born on January 15, 1939, to Ira and Tetter West in Navasota, Texas. She moved to Iowa at the age of 16, where she graduated from Tech High School. At the age of 19 she met the love of her life, Harold Lee Brown Sr. They had three children: Harold Brown Jr., Yolanda Brown, and Jolanda Brown.

Laura obtained her RN license from Des Moines School of Nursing and her Cosmetology license from Iowa School of Beauty. Laura worked at several hospitals for over 40 years. Laura also ran a private beauty shop inside Woodbury West Nursing Home, making every patient feel seen and beautiful.

Laura joined the Knights of Pythias. She ranked in the highest degree, which is The Knight, the final rank in the subordinate lodge, symbolizing confidence, loyalty, and honor. Laura competed in and won several Queen competitions within the organization. She also served as a member of the Youth Council. She loved cooking at KP's on the weekends and was known for those smothered pork steaks, fried chicken, and bartending in her free time.

Laura joined the Elks Lodge on February 22, 1985. She served as the President of Purple Cross Nurses #575. She was Directress of Veterans Affairs and a member of Youth Council #266. She was Corner Master of the Antler Guard and received her Past Grand Daughter Ruler honors in 2000 for Veterans Affairs/Purple Cross Nurses in Atlanta, Georgia. Ms. Laura became a life member of Rose Temple #33 on May 23, 2018. She served breakfast weekly on Saturday mornings at the lodge.

She leaves to cherish her memories, her granddaughters, Nyeisha Brown (Ruben Johnson) and Shaquitta Brown; four great-grandchildren, Destiny Brown, Daionn Harris, Deala Brown, and Daliyah Johnson (aka Lil Mama).

She also leaves to cherish her memories, her forever son-in-law, John Campbell; the daughter she raised, Kandia West; her son/friend, Richard Lewis ("Richard, you mother ******"); and her best friend, Ms. Veta.

Her beloved seven sisters: Ollie, Mary, Martha, Bernice, Joyce, Elaine, and Bertha.

Her two beloved brothers: Robert and Elijah.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 27, 2026, with funeral service following at 11:00 a.m., at Faith Missionary Baptist Church, 3415 3rd Street, Des Moines.