White County is mourning the death of County Judge Lisa Brown, who died Tuesday night, August 11, at the age of 59.
Brown had spent decades working in public service before becoming White County Judge, bringing extensive experience in county government to the office.
Before becoming judge, Brown worked for years as an administrative assistant in the White County Judge’s Office, including under former County Judges Bob Parish and Michael Lincoln. In a previous account of her career, Brown said she had also spent more than 12 years working in White County District Court and nearly 17 years as administrative assistant in the county judge’s office.
Brown was elected White County Judge in 2022 and took office in January 2023. She was seeking another term in 2026.
As county judge, Brown served as the chief executive officer of White County government. The office oversees the county road system, county property and facilities, emergency management, 911 dispatch, veterans affairs and the county budget, while also administering ordinances approved by the White County Quorum Court.
Former White County Judge and former Searcy Mayor David Morris, who currently serves on the Searcy City Council, said his memories of Brown stretched back long before her career in county government.
Morris remembered watching Brown grow up around horse shows and later seeing her develop into a respected public servant.
DAVID MORRIS:
“Back in our old horse show days years ago, I watched her grow up riding horses and at horse shows, and it followed her career all along.”
Morris said Brown distinguished herself while serving as administrative assistant to former White County Judges Bob Parish and Michael Lincoln.
DAVID MORRIS:
“Obviously, she was the administrative assistant to both Judge Bob Parish and Judge Michael Lincoln and did an excellent job.”
Morris also worked with Brown during his years with the Association of Arkansas Counties and later during his tenure as mayor of Searcy, when city and county government frequently worked together.
He said that experience gave him a firsthand look at Brown’s ability as a public official.
DAVID MORRIS:
“She was, in my opinion, one of the most qualified and best county judges, not only in White County, but in the entire state.”
Former White County Judge Michael Lincoln also shared memories of Brown, describing a relationship that went back decades.
Lincoln first knew Brown when he was principal at Judsonia Elementary School and Brown was still a high school student. He remembered her as respectful and a very good student.
Years later, when Lincoln decided to run for White County Judge, he learned Brown was working as an administrative assistant in the office. Lincoln met with Brown and another employee, Rhonda, and the two agreed to remain and work with him if he was elected.
That decision began what Lincoln described as a 16-year working relationship with Brown in the White County Judge’s Office.
Lincoln recalled one story that illustrated just how much he trusted Brown’s knowledge.
A former Judsonia school board member once visited Lincoln’s office with questions involving land easements. As Lincoln answered the man’s questions, he repeatedly turned to Brown to make sure his answers were correct.
After watching the exchange several times, the former school board member laughed and told Lincoln he had not changed since his days as an elementary principal.
The man told Lincoln that when he was a principal, he always hired teachers who were smarter than he was — and now, as county judge, he was still surrounding himself with people who were smarter than he was.
Lincoln remembered laughing and responding that smart people made him look good.
The story reflected Brown’s reputation inside county government as someone colleagues could turn to for answers and guidance.
Brown’s experience extended across multiple areas of White County government. Before becoming county judge, she said her years of service had given her extensive knowledge of the laws, rules and regulations governing county operations and allowed her to work closely with the Quorum Court and other elected officials on numerous projects.
As county judge, Brown was responsible for one of Arkansas’ largest county road systems. She also represented White County at community events and worked with local governments and organizations across the county.
The Association of Arkansas Counties listed Brown as the incumbent Republican candidate for White County Judge in the 2026 general election.
Her death leaves White County without the elected official who served as the county’s chief executive and marks the loss of a public servant whose career in county government stretched across decades.
For Morris, Lincoln and many others who worked alongside her, Brown will be remembered not simply for holding the title of White County Judge, but for the years of knowledge and experience she brought to the job and her commitment to the people of White County.
Funeral and memorial arrangements have not yet been included in the information available to ArkansasRadio.com. Additional details will be reported as they become available.
August 12, 2026 7:56 pm
I knew Lisa not as a judge but as the sister in law of my best friend on earth, Jean Ann. At one time I owned property by Lisa & George, I couldn’t have asked for nicer neighbors. They were quiet, always there when needed just what I call good neighbors. My heart breaks for her husband George.