Betty Sue Brown

Betty Sue Brown, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and a true servant of the Lord, peacefully left this world in the comfort of her home on November 10th, 2023. Betty's extraordinary life was filled with music, love, and unwavering faith.  Born in Pound, VA on January 1st, 1947 to Alfred and Ella Mullins Collins, Betty's journey through life was marked by resilience and a deep connection to her faith.

At a young age, Betty fell ill and her mother made a heartfelt promise to the Lord: if He would spare her child's life, she would raise Betty to serve Him faithfully. The prayers were answered and Betty not only survived but blossomed into a remarkable individual with a voice that captivated all those who had the pleasure of hearing it.  Betty's passion for music guided her throughout her entire life.

After graduating from Camp Lab School on the campus of Western Carolina University, she married Conard Brown in 1965, and embarked on her career as a legal assistant in Northern Virginia while also serving as a secretary for a local School Board. They
moved back to North Carolina in 1995, and became members of Tuckasegee Wesleyan Church soon after moving to Cullowhee.  She retired in 2012 from the Jackson County Board of Education.  However, it was through her involvement with music that she truly found her calling.

For three years, Betty served as the Director of Junior Appalachian Musicians. Her dedication to nurturing young talents and fostering a deep appreciation for traditional Appalachian music was truly inspiring. She also became a cherished member of music groups such as Children of Zion and Spirit Filled. Her love for music led to the recording of CDs with her family and friends. These heartfelt recordings touched countless lives across several states and allowed Betty's songs to resonate far and wide.  In 2001, when her mother fell ill, Betty experienced an epiphany that changed the course of her musical journey. As she made the journey to Virginia to assist her siblings in caring for their mother, ideas and words for her own original songs began flooding her mind. Betty's songs became a testimony of her unwavering faith and they brought solace and comfort to many who were navigating their own personal trials.

Throughout her illness, Betty trusted in the Lord and never lost her faith.  She found peace in the circumstances and faced it with courage.  In doing so, she was such an inspiration to family and friends and exemplified a true Christian.  

Visitation for Betty Brown will be Monday November 13th, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 12 p.m. at the Tuckasegee Wesleyan Church in Tuckasegee, NC. We invite all who knew and loved Betty to join us in bidding farewell to a soul who touched our hearts with her music and kindness.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Betty's name to Four Seasons Hospice or the Tuckasegee Wesleyan Church Cemetery Fund.

In this time of sorrow, let us remember Betty for her infectious laughter, her unwavering faith in God's plan, and the love she shared with everyone she encountered. She leaves behind a legacy of music that will continue to touch the lives of many.

Betty Sue Brown is survived by her loving husband Tomis Conard Brown, their son Thomas Brown and his wife Nola, as well as her cherished grandchildren Zeke, Caitrin, and George. She also leaves behind her adoring sisters Janice, Vicky, Kathy Gail, Ginger, Teresa, and Diane; brothers Giles Ricky, Joey, and Winfred; as well as several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and nephews. Betty's impact on their lives will forever be cherished.