Betty Margaret Davey Brown, of Martinsville, VA, died Tuesday, August 21 , 2018 in Madison Heights Virginia, where she resided with her daughter and son-in-law for nine years. Betty was an accomplished educator, active contributor in the communities in which she resided and a dedicated member and leader in the churches of which she was member. Perhaps most importantly, she was a beloved mother, grandmother and family member.
She was born on January 19, 1925 in Durham N.C. to John Reed Davey and Pearl Pleasants Davey. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband George W. Brown, her brother Reed Davey, her sisters Naomi Hodges, Vivian Fitzgerald, Hazel Sugg, and Sylvia Orr. She is survived by her son, George Michael Brown (Beverly) of Alpharetta ,Georgia , and her daughter Carol Brown Harding (Jim) of Madison Heights, Virginia. Mrs. Brown is also survived by her grandsons, David Michael Brown (Larissa) and Derek Reed Brown, step grandsons, Eric Warren Harding (Christine) and Michael Eugene Harding, also step great-grandsons Zander Harding and Teagan Harding, and adopted great-grandchildren, Quinten Nichols and Kimberlin Schmidt. She is also survived by very special nephews and nieces.
Mrs. Brown graduated from Longwood College in 1947. She taught in the public schools of both Danville, VA and Christiansburg, VA. After moving to Martinsville, VA, with her husband George, When she couldn’t find an opening in a kindergarten for her son Michael, she opened a private kindergarten in her home, which she operated for ten years She then taught Spanish and English at Martinsville Junior High School, until she retired in 1985.
She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Martinsville, joining under Dr. Chevis Horne. She taught Sunday school (the Mary Kirk Bible Class) for 20 years. She was also active in the Women’s Missionary Union and helped with the after school program.
Mrs. Brown was a proud member of the National Daughters of The American Revolution, the Patrick Henry Chapter in Martinsville, where she served as regent. She was also an associate member of the Blue Ridge Chapter in Lynchburg, VA.
She served in many organizations in the community such as Piedmont Arts. She also was a dedicated volunteer at Grace Network and Good News Prison Ministry. In 2009 the Exchange Club presented her with the Book of Golden Deeds award for a lifetime of contributions to her church and community .
She has lived for the last nine years with her daughter and son-in-law in Madison Heights, where she faithfully attended Amelon United Methodist Church and taught Sunday school.
The family especially appreciates the loving care provided by special friends, Sarah Nicely and Sandra Patrick.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 22, 2018 at Amelon United Methodist Church.
