Mrs. Jesteen Brown, 86, of Woodbury, Tennessee transitioned to her eternal

home on August 4, 2025. She was born in Harleysville, South Carolina on
October 2, 1938. She was the daughter of the late Matthew Moore and Estelle
Pendarvis Moore. Also preceding her in death are her two sons, Marvin Brown
and Greg Brown, three brothers, Matthew Moore, Jr., Herbert Moore and
Barney Moore, and by a sister, Dorothy Moore.
She leaves to cherish her memory, a son, Jeff (Jocelyn) Brown, a daughter,
Angela (Devon) Brown, four grandchildren, Jeremiah Brown, Matthew Brown,
Chris Brown, Elizabeth Wade, special friends, Gloria Stewart and Thelma
Richardson, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of other
relatives and friends.
Jesteen started life in a rural community in South Carolina. Her view of the
world was quite different than the one she was soon to have. Like many young
ladies of her day, she met a young man fell in love and married early. Her ex-
husband was in the military and that meant traveling was in her future. She
never imagined she would see so many faraway places. During his time in
service, she was able to live in locations that included Germany, Japan,
Louisiana, New Jersey, and Hawaii. Although being the wife of a service
member came some challenges, being able to experience the different cultures
and scenery was a wonderful opportunity for her and the children. Being a
wife to an armed services member brought with it times where she faced
parenting duties on her own, but it didn't faze her.
Her faith in God gave her the courage and strength to take on anything. She let
God direct her path of motherhood and loved her children with her whole
being. In true southern style she cooked for her family, friends, and church
with love seasoning each dish. Whether it was a seven-course meal or good
old-fashioned cornbread, it had her special touch. Her family loved all her
kitchen creations, but her German chocolate cake, chess and buttermilk pies
held a special place in their memories. Every holiday, birthday, or event was
turned into an experience. Especially on Christmas and Thanksgiving she
pulled out all the stops to decorate her home, yard, and table to celebrate the
blessing of having family gathered around the table and in her home.
Knowing her influence and presence was greatly needed to provide love and
guidance to her family, she supported her children in whatever school or
sporting activities they had. She was always there to cheer them on every step
of the way. Her love and spirit will live on in the hearts and lives of her family.
Jesteen wasn't a shrinking violet either, she loved to turn any stranger she met
into the friend she hadn't met . She made a point to get to know the people she

met regularly. One example being the great friendship she had with her postal
carrier.
God and family were the two most important constants in her life. Knowing
where her blessings came from and how to share them with those around her
was part of what made her special. She made her church home and family with
the members of Water Street Church of Christ until its closing. She made sure
her children knew to put their faith and trust in God. If there was a time, she
wasn't well enough to go herself, she would be sure they would be able to
attend. Whenever there was a fellowship meal she would be sure to bring some
of her signature dishes.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to the Susan G. Komen
Foundation.  
Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Friday, August 15,
2025, from 6-8 pm. A graveside service will be conducted by Gentry-Smith
Funeral Home at Hoover Cemetery, Woodbury, TN on Saturday, August 16,
2025, at 2 pm. Share condolences and stories with the family at
www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com.  Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303
Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337.  Because every life has
a story.