Mary Williams Brown

Mary Williams Brown of Lanexa, Virginia, passed away unexpectedly on November 4, 2025, at the age of 81. Born in Richmond to Archibald Alexander Williams and Ruby Trice Williams, Mary was the eldest of seven children. She spent her early years in Toano, Virginia, before traveling widely with her family due to her father's service in the U.S. Air Force.

Mary met Keith Brown at Ohio Wesleyan University, and together they built a life marked by love, adventure, and resilience. They moved frequently across the country living in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Kentucky, South Carolina, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Virginia as Keith pursued a career in manufacturing. In Fredericksburg, Virginia, they planted deep roots, growing a successful chain of four convenience stores and becoming active members of the community. Mary also became a real estate agent, drawing on her experience for creating welcoming homes wherever they landed.

A gifted singer and vibrant presence, Mary lent her voice to church and community choirs, graced local stages, and brought warmth and humor to every civic group and bridge club she joined. Her greatest joy, however, was her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt known for her generous spirit, quick wit, and unwavering love.

Mary is survived by her beloved husband of 62 years, Keith Brown; her daughters, Elizabeth Holcomb and Heather Brown; her son-in-law Kim Holcomb; grandchildren Andrew, Alexander, and Grace Holcomb; great-grandchildren Olivia and James Holcomb; her siblings Margaret Smith, Martha McGrail, George Williams, Sarah Dixon, Elizabeth Morgan, and Susan Kohlman; and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and "outlaws" whom she loved deeply.

She was preceded in death by her parents, whose legacy of service and community she carried forward.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Olive Branch Christian Church, 7643 Richmond Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Toano Historical Society or the James City-Bruton Volunteer Fire Department, organizations that reflect Mary's lifelong love for her hometown and her commitment to community.