It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Dolores Brown, a woman of boundless love. Born on July 26, 1939, in Madisonville, Texas to Sam and Waldine Colwell, Dolores transitioned out of this life on October 8, 2026. Though she may have physically left us, we are certain that the ripple effect of her unconditional love and kindness lives on through all who were lucky enough to know her.

Dolores loved nothing more than her people, and a good time. She simply said “yes” to adventures as they arose, and never missed a chance to show up for her loved ones. She was a strong, smart woman who helped run and manage multiple businesses throughout her life, while raising four children. She was warm, and breathtakingly beautiful—she had a natural draw about her. Dolores’s optimism was a guiding light, and she never lost sight of hope or forgot to notice the good in the world. When you were near her, you couldn’t help but see and believe in it too. One of Dolores’s greatest qualities was her open-mindedness. She was energized by experiencing people and places that broadened her perspective. She welcomed and accepted everyone as they were, and helped them see the beauty in themselves that she effortlessly saw in them. Dolores embraced change, including keeping up with the evolving fashion and music trends. Most of all, she was just so much fun to be around. Life was better next to her.

If you were hungry, Dolores whipped up a delicious, warm meal. When someone was cooking for her, she might have popped into the kitchen and sang “Hey good lookin, what ya got cookin” to the chef. If you needed life advice, she’d drop everything and give you her full attention. Her wisdom was so grounded. She often jokingly accused her loved ones of “pulling her leg”, and she sang “I love you, a bushel and a peck” to them. Dolores loved her morning coffee, and all the dogs she spoiled throughout her life. She couldn’t possibly turn down an ice cream offering, especially if it included coconut. And she was often the one offering. Shopping with her was fun, and that’s where you’d both get into some good-natured trouble.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Stephen T. Brown and her parents. Surviving her are her son Greg Cotton and his wife, Elizabeth; her daughters, Dana Cotton VanDuker and her husband, Frank; Darla Cotton; and Denice Jones. Her grandchildren include Cleopatra Trevino; Danielle Ahlrich and her husband, Austin; Drake VanDuker and Drue VanDuker; Randa Walker; Briana Smith; Makena Cleveland and her husband, Zachary; Brittany Harris and her husband, John; Courtney Jones and her fiancé, Michael. Her great grandchildren include Ava and Oliver Ahlrich; Devyn and Dexter Walker; Sadie, Kinley, and Levi Harris; Knox Cleveland. Additionally, her brother Randall Colwell and his daughter Robin Colwell.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones on Friday, October 16th, 2026 to C.T. Baker & Sons Funeral Home, West Columbia, Texas. The viewing will begin at 10:00 AM and the funeral service will begin at 12:00 PM.

Flowers can be sent to the funeral home, and donations can be made to MD Anderson in her name.