Barbara Brown Long, 77 of Sylva, NC transitioned to her heavenly home on May
19th, 2024. Barbara was a native of Jackson County, NC and lived a large sum
of her adult life in Columbia, SC. She was born in Sylva on August 16, 1946 to
her parents Kenneth and Ethel H. Brown.
Barbara had two daughters, Melanie Hodgin of Sylva and Karoline Schiller (Bennett) of Beaufort, SC.
Barbara had six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Darrell Brown and sister
Winifred Dills. Barbara is survived by her brother Tommy Brown of Asheville,
many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Barbara was a graduate of Cullowhee High School and subsequently attended
Southwestern Technical Institute (now SCC) and was a part of the first
graduating class at STI.
Barbara moved back from Columbia, SC in 1993 and worked at various entities
around Jackson County to include Harrah’s Cherokee Casino and was at WCU
upon retirement.
Barbara loved to find a good music venue and “get her dance on”. She was an
avid UNC Tarheel basketball fan and enjoyed watching her Tar Heels week over
week during ball season.
Barbara leaves a life-long cherished friend in Ann Clayton Fowler and a special
friend in Joe Kilby. She resided at The Hermitage in her late years, she really
loved and appreciated the staff to include Courtney Wandell, Wilma Jones, Sarah
Ingram, Tilley Queen and many other residents at The Hermitage.
Barbara was a fun loving soul that was loved by all who knew her.
There will be a private memorial on a date to be determined.