Betty Leake Brown

Betty Leake Brown left this world to be with her Creator on September 25, 2025. She passed peacefully at home with her loving family singing around her. Betty was born on December 30, 1931 in Memphis, Tennessee to her parents John and Lucille. She was married to James Allison (Al) Brown for 54 years before he went to be with the Lord in 2010. She is survived by her daughters, Allison Coates (John) and Beth Dunn; grandchildren Lindsey Coates Horvatich (Tim), Christopher Dunn, Sam Coates (Annie), and Brook Dunn (Catie); three great-grandchildren Libby Dunn, Charlie Coates, and Winnie Dunn; her siblings Neida Wittichen (Buddy), Don Leake (Vandy), Virginia Rowe (Ed), and David Leake (Judy), and many loving family members and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Lucille, and her brother John "Buddy" Elgin Leake (Carolyn). Betty was a lifelong member of First Evangelical Church, a member of the choir for over 50 years, and the former secretary at Independent Presbyterian Church. She was a loving Mama, a devoted Nanny, Aunt Betty, and Aunt Pitty Pat to family.

Betty lived a full life surrounded by the people who loved her most. She was a flight attendant for Braniff Airlines in the late 1940s, and she enjoyed teaching Sunday School and leading Bible Studies through her church. Her favorite colors were pink and purple, and she loved singing old hymns, being in her garden and tending to flowers of all varieties. She loved to sing, especially old hymns, and never turned down a visit to the Silver Caboose in Collierville, Tennessee or a trip to Silver Dunes in Destin, Florida.

She loved all things chocolate, her afternoon coffee, and spending time with friends and family, as well as talking on the phone to her siblings and friends far away. Beloved by many, Betty will always be remembered for her smile, her Southern charm, and her unwavering devotion to her faith.

Visitation and a celebration of Betty’s life will be held at First Evangelical Church 735 Ridge Lake Road, Memphis TN, 38120 on Friday, October 3 at 10:00 am immediately followed by a service. Gifts of remembrance for Betty may be offered the following: First Evangelical Church 735 Ridge Lake Road, Memphis Tennessee, 38120 and The Church Health Center 1350 Concourse Avenue Suite 142, Memphis, Tennessee 38104