Mabel H. Brown, 103, a lifelong resident of Redkey, died at 6:30 a.m. Sunday, September 7, 2008. Mabel was born on April 9, 1905 to the late Elba M. and Sarah E. (White) Hickman and raised on the family farm in the southwest corner of Jay County (the farm was recognized as a "Hoosier Homestead Farm" by Gov. Frank O'Bannon in 2001). She attended Booth School grades 1-4, and Halfway School grades 5-8. She graduated from Redkey High School. She was a member of Sugar Grove Methodist Church where she was the pianist and taught Sunday School Class. She became a member of the First Methodist Church of Redkey during her high school years where she was an active member, serving in many capacities among which were choir member and choir director for many years. She graduated from Muncie Normal Teachers College (now Ball State University) and began her long teaching career at Sugar Grove, a one room county school, where she was responsible for instructing all eight grades for two years. Mabel then taught a similar group at Oak Grove School in 1926-1927 before taking up the duties to raise a family. Her marriage was to Ralph Ernest Brown on August 2, 1926 in Jeffersonville, Indiana. He preceded her in death on November 27, 1989. She resumed her teaching career in 1945 at Gray School and took over fifth grade at Redkey Elementary School until her retirement in 1968. She loved teaching and counted many of her former pupils as close friends. Mabel was active in many community and church affairs, serving at one time as Chair of the Jay County Democratic Committee, Redkey Community Librarian, and a number of community initiatives. She was a member of the Redkey Main Street United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, Cosmos Literary Club, Salus Club, and a lifetime member of the Redkey Chamber of Commerce. She was honored by the Cincinnatus League with the Lifetime of Service Award in 1995 and named to the Jay County Hall of Fame. Mabel and Ralph were members of the Portland Country Club, and avid golfers, playing many of the countries most famous courses. They traveled extensively including Airstream caravans through the West and Central America. In later years, she hosted her great-grandchildren on an intergenerational tour of the Hawaiian Islands. Surviving is her son Carl Brown (wife: Jackie) of Lafayette, Indiana; grandchildren, Julie and Jack; 4 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-granddaughters. Preceding her in death is an infant daughter, Barbara Joyce Brown; and a brother, Carl C. Hickman. Private family services to be held at a later date. Hartzler-Clapper Funeral Home of Brookston is entrusted with her care.