Mildred Cowan Brown passed away at her home on April 24, 2022 at the age of 101 years. She was born and lived her entire life in Hampton, Virginia, graduating with the Class of 1938 from Hampton High School. She was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, Norman Lewis Brown (2006), and her mother, Ada Mae Cowan (2000). She was also predeceased by her sister, Helen Aiken, and her granddaughter, Sarah Brown Tyree.
She is survived by her son, Norman Lee Brown (Sally), of Midlothian, VA, her daughter, Judith Brown Scott (Tod Balsbaugh), of Richmond, VA, grandchildren, William Brown (Robin), Kevin A. Scott, Jennifer S. Morgan (Kelby), great-grandchildren, Kelby Morgan Jr, and Madelyn Morgan. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews and their families including special dear friends, Ruth and Virgil Winslow.
Mildred met and married Norman in 1940 while working as a bookkeeper for Hampton Chevrolet and started her family while Norman supported the war effort. She was employed by R. H. Smith Florist while raising her children. Early in her life she recognized her life direction was to serve as a committed volunteer becoming a charter member of the Wythe Woman's Club in 1945. She was elected President of the Club in 1959, President of the Tidewater District in 1960-62 and served as President of the Virginia Federation of Women's Clubs from 1972-74. She served as Editor of The Virginia Club Woman from 1970-72. In 1965 she was certified as a Registered Professional Parliamentarian and Instructor and served as Parliamentarian for the General Federation of Women's Clubs for 22 years. She was named President of the Virginia branch of the National Association of Parliamentarians 1969-71 and served as Parliamentarian for NNS&DD Credit Union (Bayport) for 40 years. Her honors included being named a Kentucky Colonel, a Citizen of North Carolina, and an appointment as Board member of the Virginia Mental Health Association. In 2020, she received her 75th year pin as a member of the Woman's Club of Hampton.
Mildred was best known for her love of her extended family. Her house was the Christmas gathering place for all her children, her sister, nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles for many years. She loved laughter and especially enjoyed her friendships with the "Out to Lunch Bunch" Red Hatters and she will be fondly remembered by her daughter's "PJ Gals". She was a mentor to all who came to her for advice and was known for the faith- based wisdom she provided. She was a lifelong member of Memorial Baptist Church in Hampton. In addition to Ruth and Virgil Winslow, special appreciation is given to Theresa Pike, Mikey Vartuli, David Pugh and Greg Swain, Heartland Hospice and Nurse Next Door for the loving care they provided Mildred.
A funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, May 12, 2022 in the chapel at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, Hampton, followed by a reception at The Woman's Club Of Hampton. The family will receive friends from 5-6:30pm on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at R. Hayden Smith Funeral home. A private burial at Parklawn Memorial Park will follow after the reception.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Mildred Brown Scholarship Fund at The Woman's Club of Hampton, Virginia.
Arrangements by R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, 245 S. Armistead Avenue, Hampton. www.rhaydensmith.com.