Mary Grace Brown, age 93, entered eternal rest on December 30, 2025, in Salisbury, Maryland. After a long, full, and richly blessed life, Grace was welcomed home into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior.
Born April 26, 1932, on Tangier Island, Virginia, she was the cherished daughter of Robert and Margaret Kelso. Her life was shaped early by faith, hard work, and a deep sense of responsibility to family and community—values she carried with her for more than nine decades.
She was the beloved matriarch of her family, a steady and loving presence who gathered everyone together and made every place feel like home. Alongside her husband, Jimmy, she worked faithfully to build a life rooted in service and perseverance, beginning with their years in Wilmington, Delaware, where they ran multiple service stations and a towing business. Together, they modeled partnership, dedication, and commitment while raising their five children. Although life was hectic during those years, her children always knew they came first; her unwavering devotion and protection were evident.
Never one to slow down, she continued to follow her passions and serve others in new ways. After retiring from the service station business and moving back to her birthplace of Tangier Island, she and Jimmy became members of Swain Memorial United Methodist Church. Together, they opened an ice cream shop that became a joyful gathering place for the community. Grace also shared her creativity and patience as a ceramic instructor, encouraging others to discover their talents and take pride in learning something new.
Well known for her warmth and hospitality, she later opened her home as a bed and breakfast. The Sunset Inn became a place where countless memories were made. Through lovingly prepared meals, open doors, and genuine conversation, she welcomed guests with the same care and generosity she showed her own family.
Grace cared deeply for her children and grandchildren, who frequently enjoyed visiting her home. It was filled with laughter, comfort, and love. Each grandchild carries beautiful memories of time spent there gathered around her table, enjoying her cooking, and feeling completely at home in her presence.
She later retired officially and moved to Salisbury, Maryland, to be closer to family, living across the street from her sister, Alice. She continued supporting her children by providing weekly laundry service, enjoying adventures with her grandchildren, and hosting unforgettable Thanksgiving dinners. Family traveled from miles away to gather around her table, filled with lovingly prepared food and gracious hospitality.
Her legacy endures through her children: Linda (Ashod), Gail (Vinnie), Lois (Robert), and Renee (John); thirteen grandchildren; twenty-nine great-grandchildren; her sister, Alice Pruitt; and many other family members. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James W. Brown; her beloved son, James C. Brown; his loving wife, Debbie; and her precious infant daughter, Julianne.
As we mourn her loss, we also celebrate her remarkable life and feel grateful for the 93 years we shared. Her enduring legacy of faith, hospitality, service, and love will continue through the countless lives she touched.
"Well done, good and faithful servant."
Please join us for her Memorial Service on:
January 9, 2026, 11:00 a.m.
Rockawalkin Church
6777 Rockawalkin Rd.
Hebron, MD 21830
Born April 26, 1932, on Tangier Island, Virginia, she was the cherished daughter of Robert and Margaret Kelso. Her life was shaped early by faith, hard work, and a deep sense of responsibility to family and community—values she carried with her for more than nine decades.
She was the beloved matriarch of her family, a steady and loving presence who gathered everyone together and made every place feel like home. Alongside her husband, Jimmy, she worked faithfully to build a life rooted in service and perseverance, beginning with their years in Wilmington, Delaware, where they ran multiple service stations and a towing business. Together, they modeled partnership, dedication, and commitment while raising their five children. Although life was hectic during those years, her children always knew they came first; her unwavering devotion and protection were evident.
Never one to slow down, she continued to follow her passions and serve others in new ways. After retiring from the service station business and moving back to her birthplace of Tangier Island, she and Jimmy became members of Swain Memorial United Methodist Church. Together, they opened an ice cream shop that became a joyful gathering place for the community. Grace also shared her creativity and patience as a ceramic instructor, encouraging others to discover their talents and take pride in learning something new.
Well known for her warmth and hospitality, she later opened her home as a bed and breakfast. The Sunset Inn became a place where countless memories were made. Through lovingly prepared meals, open doors, and genuine conversation, she welcomed guests with the same care and generosity she showed her own family.
Grace cared deeply for her children and grandchildren, who frequently enjoyed visiting her home. It was filled with laughter, comfort, and love. Each grandchild carries beautiful memories of time spent there gathered around her table, enjoying her cooking, and feeling completely at home in her presence.
She later retired officially and moved to Salisbury, Maryland, to be closer to family, living across the street from her sister, Alice. She continued supporting her children by providing weekly laundry service, enjoying adventures with her grandchildren, and hosting unforgettable Thanksgiving dinners. Family traveled from miles away to gather around her table, filled with lovingly prepared food and gracious hospitality.
Her legacy endures through her children: Linda (Ashod), Gail (Vinnie), Lois (Robert), and Renee (John); thirteen grandchildren; twenty-nine great-grandchildren; her sister, Alice Pruitt; and many other family members. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James W. Brown; her beloved son, James C. Brown; his loving wife, Debbie; and her precious infant daughter, Julianne.
As we mourn her loss, we also celebrate her remarkable life and feel grateful for the 93 years we shared. Her enduring legacy of faith, hospitality, service, and love will continue through the countless lives she touched.
"Well done, good and faithful servant."
Please join us for her Memorial Service on:
January 9, 2026, 11:00 a.m.
Rockawalkin Church
6777 Rockawalkin Rd.
Hebron, MD 21830
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Mary Grace Brown, please visit our flower store.
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