Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex to be lowered to half-staff on Thursday, August 18 to honor and remember former state Representative Mary Brown. The flag lowering will coincide with former Representative Brown’s birthday.

“Representative Mary Brown served her constituents with distinction for years in the statehouse and left behind the kind of lasting legacy that we all aspire to have,” said Governor Whitmer. “Today, we honor Mary. Michigan is a stronger state because of her service, and my thoughts are with her family, friends, and constituents.”

For 18 years, former state Representative Brown represented the Kalamazoo area as a member of the Michigan House of Representatives from 1976 to 1994. During her time with Michigan House of Representatives, she served as chair of the House Democratic Caucus from 1983 to 1994, in addition to her dedication as chair of the House Constitutional Revision, Women’s Rights, Senior Citizens and Retirement and Insurance committees. Former state Representative Brown passed away on Sunday, November 21, 2021 at 86 years old.

The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor, and service of former state Representative Mary Brown by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments, and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.

To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.

Flags should be returned to full staff on Friday, August 19, 2022.