Mary Elizabeth Brown

Mary Elizabeth (Pruett) Brown, 94, formerly of Mt. Airy, Maryland, died on September 1, 2025, at Brandon Oaks Rehabilitation Center in Roanoke, Virginia. She was the beloved wife of Walter C. Brown and mother of Bradley Dean Brown and Nancy Brown Nichols.

She was born on September 20, 1930, in Squire, W.Va. to the late Carl and Pearl (Rose) Pruett. While living in Roanoke, Virginia she met and married Walter C. Brown on August 30, 1947. They started their married life in Walter’s hometown of Mt. Airy where they lived until 2013. Elizabeth worked at the Mt. Airy Pants (Sewing) Factory until the birth of their son in 1956.

Elizabeth dedicated her life to raising her children. She will be remembered as a devoted mother, always fully engaged in their lives and activities—whether that meant driving thousands of miles in a single summer for 4-H events or serving as a Cub Scout den mother. She showed up unfailingly, offering support and guidance with quiet strength.

As a grandmother, Elizabeth’s love was boundless. She treasured every moment with her four grandchildren, from their annual trips together to the Fireman’s carnival to creating joyful memories at Christmastime.

At Calvary United Methodist Church in Mt. Airy, she served as Director of Children’s Ministry for more than 20 years. She taught 4-year-old Sunday school, started the nursery program, and chaired Vacation Bible School. In later years, she enjoyed serving in the church kitchen and costuming the children and youth for church plays.

Elizabeth is survived by her daughter, Nancy Nichols and her husband Garry of Moneta, Virginia, her daughter-in-law, Roni Seiff Brown of The Villages, Florida and four grandchildren, Brian Nichols (Morgan) of Grapevine, Texas, Amy Elizabeth Nichols of Durham, North Carolina, Stephanie Halon (Steven) of Baltimore, Maryland, and Danielle Hurley (Jack) of Tampa, Florida, and six great grandchildren. Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents, nine brothers and sisters, her husband, Walter, and her son, Bradley Dean Brown.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, September 8 at 1 pm at Pine Grove Cemetery in Mt. Airy. Family and friends are invited to gather and celebrate Elizabeth’s life and legacy.