Sen. Boren issues statement on passing of her mother, Bonnie Belle Brown

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Mary Boren, D-Norman, issued the following statement after the passing of her mother, Bonnie Belle Brown, of Norman, on March 22 after a brief illness. The full obituary can be viewed at https://www.tribute.care/obituaries/. 

“Momma had been living with my husband, Nathan, and me since last September. It was my honor and privilege to provide in-home care for her when her needs required more assistance. My role as caregiver led me to meet other Oklahomans who’ve also sacrificed a significant amount of their lives to provide care for aging family members. We’ve relied on the support of medical care, aging services, communities of faith, and senior citizens centers to ensure the well-being of our elders. 

 “My mother had an interesting, and sometimes very challenging life, but she met those challenges with compassion, strength, and resilience expressing gratitude for the good life God gave her. She lost her own mother as a small child, and her father about 10 years later. Those traumatic experiences are what led her to parent her nieces and nephews, and later to become house parents at the Tipton Children’s Home. 

“Bonnie Brown was a naturally gifted artist, winning awards, and teaching art. While my parents lived in Perry, Momma owned and operated an art gallery on Main Street on the town square. Her art is on permanent display at Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa and has shown her paintings in many other locations in Perry, particularly those featuring Oklahoma landmarks and western scenes. 

“As I reflect on my mother’s life, I am keenly aware of how her faith during adversity informed my own career and public service, including a great desire to improve the lives of children, increase access to mental health care, and promote the healing power of fine arts. It all comes directly from my mother, and I am forever grateful.   

“To those who have reached out to me and my family during this difficult time, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”– Sen. Mary Boren, D-Norman.  

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CUTLINE:  Sen. Mary Boren, D-Norman, with her mother, Bonnie Brown, in the Senate Chamber.

For more information, contact:  Sen. Mary Boren at 405-521-5553 or Mary.Boren@oksenate.gov