Lynda Denise Salomon Margelin Perry Brown, age 60, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday, August 11th, 2020 in Mt. Carmel, Illinois and was the first to die of coronavirus in Wabash County.

Lynda was born in San Francisco, CA on December 7, 1959 and grew up a free spirit with her younger brother George Margelin and little sister, Chemene Margelin-Rice.  In 1977 their mom moved Lynda and her siblings to Mt. Carmel; where Lynda raised her sons that she often bragged about, where she found peace with her family, and where she met the best friends of her life.

Lynda had lots of gifts but creativity was most prominent. It reflected in everything from her stylish outfits to the way she decorated.  She could turn a room’s corner into a glamorous museum, transform a moment into a life-long-memory and make anyone feel like a supermodel with her natural make-up and hair skills.  That creative verve led her to getting a degree in cosmetology at Wabash County Community College and eventually opening her own business, “Nails By Lynda” where she became known as an avant-garde nail stylist. She loved chatting and listening to her clients and in her later years she became dedicated to helping people in need.  She went on to work in the dietary department at Oakview Heights where she tenderly helped the disabled and those most in need of a friendly ear.  She taught us about strength, endurance, and how to turn molehills into mountains so we can stand tall and learn from our lessons.  Lynda lived the way she died; loved, empowered & carefree.

Lynda is survived by sons, Cameron Bryce Brown and JEVPIC; siblings, Chemene Margelin, George Margelin, Candice Husselman and Michael Penrod; extended family, Constance Folsom, Christy Doan, Craig Rice, Roy Moore, Allyson Margelin, David Perry and Connie Penrod; her beloved nephews, Gabriel Folsom Margelin, Sampson Folsom Margelin and Levi Folsom Margelin. 

Lynda is preceded in death by her parents, Carmen Cruz Margelin & Juan Soloman, stepfather, George Margelin, sister, Carolyn Turner and her husband, Jeff Brown.

In lieu of flowers a donation may be given to the Lynda Brown Memorial Fund at First Bank, 601 Market St. Mt. Carmel, IL 62863, checks payable to Gabriel Margelin and this Saturday 8-22-20, Betty Jackson is having a food truck memorial on the corner of 9th & Market St. in Mt. Carmel and Backyard Markets is doing a fundraiser on 10-3-20.  A memorial for Lynda and all COVID-19 victims will be announced at a later date and you’ll all be invited.

Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements.  To view Linda’s tribute wall and leave condolences for the Brown family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com