Frances Julene Brown Sullenger, lovingly known as Julene, went to be with her Lord on March 6, 2025, at Donalson Care Center. A devoted Christian and a dedicated servant to others, Julene spent her life working hard in various jobs, from factory positions to waitressing and cooking in local restaurants. However, her true calling came when she became a nursing assistant. She enjoyed a long and fulfilling career at Sunbridge Care and Rehab, as well as at Lincoln Donalson Care Center, where she was beloved by her patients. Julene was always found moving swiftly through the hallways, tending to those in need, and offering kindness and care until health issues ultimately led her to retire.
Born on August 18, 1943, in Marshall County, Tennessee, Julene was the daughter of the late Charles Edward Brown and Martha Frances Williams Brown. She was a faithful member of Brown Teal Road Baptist Church in the Howell Community, where she fondly remembered riding the church bus with Mr. CF Doud and Mr. Billy Miles, who would sing gospel songs with her on their way to and from church. Due to health complications, Julene was unable to attend church in her final year, but it was always her heartfelt desire to return, as she cherished her church family and her deep faith in the Lord.
Julene is survived by her daughter, Gloria (Doug) Armstrong; her sister, Shirley Allen; niece, Cindy Allen; and nephew, John David (Angela) Allen. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Paul Sullenger; daughter, Loria Currin; step-daughter, Paulette Baker; and a brother, Bobby Brown.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, March 14, 2025, at Higgins Funeral Home, with Bro. Tim Shield and Bro. Ed Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Old Orchard Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to visitation from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Higgins Funeral Home prior to the service on Friday.
Serving as pallbearers will be Curtis Howell, Ed Juergens, Richard Howell, Jeff Hittson, Gary Smith, and David Campbell. The Men of Brown Teal Road Baptist Church will serve as honorary pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Donalson Care Center, Patient Activities Department, 1681 Winchester Hwy, Fayetteville, TN 37334 or Brown Teal Road Baptist Church, 44 Brown Teal Rd, Fayetteville, TN 37334.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Frances Julene Brown Sullenger.
