Mary Lenora Brown

Mrs. Mary Lenora Beaver Brown, 92, of Statesville, passed away peacefully at home on Friday evening, January 27, 2017 surrounded by her loving family members. Mrs. Brown was born March 6, 1924 in Iredell County and was the daughter of the late Moses Arthur Beaver and Rena Drye Beaver. She was a graduate of Troutman High School in 1941 and had perfect attendance through 12 years of school. When asked how she did this, she stated she was always afraid she might miss something. Ralph Brown and Mary were married in 1944. Their marriage was an example of true love, commitment, and dedication. It was a lifetime of adventure and travel. They traveled from Nova Scotia, across the country to the Pacific Coast and visited all lower 48 states. With Ralph by her side, she loved putting her feet in a mountain stream, walking beaches collecting sea glass and traveling to new destinations. Their destination was always the journey. Mary was an avid bird watcher through the years. If there was a new bird around, she made a point to identify it. Mary was a humble servant of God always actively serving in the Church and Community in many ways. As a homemaker, she enjoyed preparing meals, trying new recipes and setting a full table for her family. Her life with Ralph and her family was always where her heart was. She had a curious interest in most everything and she enjoyed talking with everyone. She was sentimental, had a sense of humor and a joy for life that will be greatly missed. In addition to her husband of 72 years, she is survived by one son, Reginald Brown (Judy Douglas) of Statesville, two daughters, Susan Kilian (Ron) of Portage, MI, Lori McKay (Randy) of Union Grove, one brother, Paul Beaver (Marilyn) of Mooresville. She is further survived by her eight grandchildren, Carrie Taylor, Wes Kilian, Phil Kilian, Ginny Webb, Daniel Brown, Liz Gillette, Ethan McKay, Rena McKay along with 10 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by six brothers, Arthur, John, Marvin, Harry, Fred and Clyde Beaver and two sisters, Clara Wintz and Sarah Dicks. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at Oakdale Baptist Church, where Ralph and Mary were active members, with Rev. Matthew Eades and Rev. Ron Kilian officiating. Burial will follow in the Bethesda Presbyterian Church Cemetery. The family will visit with friends on Wednesday from 12:30-2:00 p.m. at Oakdale Baptist Church. Active pallbearers will be her grandsons. Memorials may be made to Bethesda Presbyterian Church Cemetery Fund, 802 Bethesda Rd., Statesville, NC 28677 or to the charity or church of the donor's choice. Please remember Mary with a new recipe you try, feed your birds, share a smile, enjoy a vase of wildflowers on your table and explore the world around you. Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of Mrs. Mary Brown.