Mary Helen Brown

April 3, 1944 - August 29, 2023

On August 29, 2023, Mary Brown also known as "Tenie" transitioned into eternal rest at her home in Newport News, VA.  Mary Brown was born on April 3, 1944, in Lancaster, South Carolina to Hazel Barnes and Julia Gaither.  During her last days, she was comforted by her loving Husband of 62 years Franklin Brown, her daughter Marianne Brown, son Lance Blain, and granddaughter Monterra Worsley-Forbes.

During her childhood years, Mary attended Elementary school in Kershaw County, SC, and assisted her grandmother on the farm.  Mary then attended Hillside High School in Heath Springs, SC before moving to Virginia in 1961.  Mary worked at Hop Shop Restaurant for 10 years before joining Riverside Hospital where she worked in the Food Services Department for more than 20 years.

Up until her passing, Mary was a true definition of strength and selflessness; constantly worrying about the needs of others, she was always willing to lend a helping hand.

Mary is preceded in death by her daughter Pamela Brown-Mayo.  Mary leaves behind her Husband Franklin Brown (Newport News, VA), daughter Marianne Brown (Newport News, VA), son Lance Blain (Newport News, VA), granddaughter Monterra Worsley-Forbes [Claude Forbes] (Macon, GA), brother Wardell Gaither (Lancaster, SC), and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September  9, 2023 at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel.