Mary (Jean) Brown Standard was born June 16, 1946, to the late James H. "Jimmy" Brown and Carlyne Alexander (Brown) Lee in Giles County, Pulaski, TN. She was the second child from this union. When she was very young, the family moved to Louisville, KY, to raise her and her brother, James Campbell Brown.

At an early age, Jean took tap and modern dancing; she loved to dance and entertain. Jean enjoyed being around family and friends during the holiday and she was glad to give everyone an example of her dancing. Little did she know that one day this would be her calling.

Above all, Jean accepted Christ as her personal Savior. Jean attended Central High School in Louisville, KY, graduating in 1965. After graduation, she attended Career College studying to become an administrative assistant. Jean worked for a real estate office for several months.

One day during the holidays, Jean, at the age of 18, went to a show performance starring Ike and Tina Turner with her girlfriends. Jean was approached and asked by Ike if she could dance and sing. She replied, "some people say I can and some people say I can't." That same night she was hired. Two months later, Jean was traveling around the world with Ike and Tina Turner as one of the Ikettes singers.

Many years later, Jean returned to Louisville and met a young man, James Standard. He was the love of her life. To this union a son was born, Damon J. Standard. For this reason, Jean retired from the stage and devoted her life as a loving mother to her family.

During her marriage, she worked as an Administrative Assistant for Jefferson County Board of Education for several years and then retired to work with Special Needs Children's. Jean was VERY FOND of Catherine Lee. She loved her and her family. Jean took care of her devoted and loving Stepfather, Bennie F. Lee until her health failed.

In the dark hours of January 21, 2023 at 10PM, Mary (Jean) Standard transitioned from this life. She leaves to cherish her memories her son, Damon J. Standard, stepson, James Standard Jr., brother, James C. Brown and wife, Melody Brown, nephews, Jimmy H. Brown and Sean Brown and great nephew, Brandon W. Wilson of Louisville, KY, great niece Tanja Salary and husband Jasper Salary of Charlotte, NC, great niece Tiffani Sainthilaire and husband Jekingsley Sainthilaire of Forth Mitchell, AL, great great nephews, Jasper Salary III and Josiah Cooper, great great nieces, Jillian Salary and Aliya Young, aunts Della Brown and Christine Brown of Nashville, TN, a host of cousins, neighbors and a special friend, Tina Forehand of Louisville, KY.

A Fallen Limb

A limb has fallen from the family tree. However, we remember her words. "Grieve not for me. Remember the best times, the laughter, the songs, the good I lived while I was strong. Continue my heritage. I'm counting on you. Keep smiling, the sun will shine through. My mind is at ease. My soul is at rest. Remembering all how I was truly blessed. Continue tradition, no matter how small. Go on with your lives, don't stare at the wall. I will miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin until that fine day we're together again."

~Author unknown

An Expression of Gratitude

The family of Mary (Jean) Brown Standard gratefully acknowledges all acts of kindness and sympathy extended to them during their time of bereavement. In Addition, we would like to give special thanks to all of the caregivers for their patience, dedication, during her time of care. In appreciation, we give thanks to Signature Health Care at Rockford Rehab and Wellness Center, Norton Healthcare Pavilion Hosparus Health, Kingdom Hall, and Newcomer Funeral Home.

Visitation will be on Saturday, February 4, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions - Southwest Louisville Chapel, 10304 Dixie Highway. A Celebration of Life will be at 1:00 pm on Saturday, at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions - Southwest Louisville Chapel.

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