Mary Brown

Mary Virginia Brown SUFFOLK - Mary Virginia Holland Brown, 98, passed away July 5, 2009. A native of Holland, Va., she was born Feb. 24, 1911. She was the last surviving child of George Milton and Dora Howell Holland and the widow of Noah Brown. She was predeceased by two sisters and three brothers. Mary Virginia was the oldest member of Holland Christian Church. She was a 1930 graduate of Holland High School. In the 1920s she helped organize the first women's basketball team at Holland High School and was its star player. She was a member of the Box Elder Home Demonstration Club, enjoyed her garden, flowers and reading. She was also known for her artistic abilities. For two consecutive years (2006 and 2007) she won the Kindred Art Contest. This was a contest among all Kindred facilities and her painting was used for the Kindred Christmas Card. She is survived by her daughter, Judith Brown Smith and husband Bobby; son, Joe F. Brown, all of Suffolk; grandchildren Eric C. Smith of Bristow, Va., Brian K. Smith and wife Rebekah of Ashburn, Va., Bradford Brown, Todd Brown and wife Debbie, all of Indianapolis; great-grandson, Nicholas Smith; great-granddaughters, Natalie and Nigella Smith all of Ashburn. The family would like to take this opportunity to express their appreciation to the staff at Hillcrest Retirement Center and Nansemond Pointe-Joyner Hall for their love, care and compassion during her declining years. A memorial service will be conducted by the Rev. Dr. Jay Slater, pastor of the Holland Christian Church, Saturday at 2 p.m. with visitation following the service in the church fellowship hall. Burial will be private. The family requests memorial donations may be made to the Holland Christian Church, P.O. Box 7097, Suffolk, VA 23437. R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family. Condolences may be registered at www.rwbakerfh.com.