Lynne Brown

Lynne Joy Brown Obituary

Lynne Joy Brown, 80, a long-time resident of Vermillion, South Dakota, passed away on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at the Sister James Hospice in Yankton, SD, after a prolonged illness.

Born Lynne Joy MacPhail on December 21, 1944, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, she moved with her family to Aberdeen, SD, in 1961. She graduated from Aberdeen's Central High School in 1962 and attended Northern State College. Lynne married Ralph J. Brown on November 27, 1965. The couple lived in Brookings, SD, Boulder, CO, and Aberdeen before settling in Vermillion in 1977, where they have resided for nearly 48 years.

In Vermillion, Lynne was known for introducing aerobic dance to the community in the early 1980s. After studying at the Sheffield School of Design, she ran her own interior design consulting business. She dedicated many years to volunteering at the Dakota Care Center (2004-2020). Lynne had passions for music and gardening and was known for her warm hospitality.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clell and Joyce MacPhail, and her siblings, William MacPhail, Robert MacPhail, and Carmen Haaland.

Lynne is survived by her husband, Ralph J. Brown, Professor Emeritus of Economics at the University of South Dakota; her son, Brian Brown of London, UK; her daughter, Jennifer Owenby (Scott) of Savannah, GA; and her grandchildren, Ciara Flanders (Alexander) and Seth Flanders, both of Savannah, GA.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Hansen Funeral Home in Vermillion. The family has requested no gifts. Lynne is remembered as a loving mother, spouse, and dedicated friend who will be deeply missed.