Nancy Morse Brown

Born November 6, 1944 in Evanston, IL, to Eleanor Snyder Rector and Frederick Earnest Rector, Nancy graduated from Grosse Pointe High School (Michigan) and continued her education at Hope College. Upon graduation, she began a 30-year career enriching the lives of hundreds of students in the Warren Consolidated School System. During her teaching career, she continued her education at Wayne State University completing her Master of Library and Information Science degree.

She married the love of her life, Donald C. Brown, in 1972, who predeceased her after 40 years of a loving, fun, and adventurous life together.

Nancy had a passion for dogs (most recently her Walter), family genealogy, a love of American and WWII history, and hand-crafting magnificent works of needlepoint art. She cherished the time she got to spend with family, imparting wisdom and sharing in their joys and accomplishments. She always had fun creating a world of memories for every one of her friends and family.

Survivors include her (step) daughter, Janice Brown DeVos (Burgaw, NC), (step) grandchildren, Lauren Cooper (Michael) (Greenville, SC), Christine Piper (Jordan) (Sioux Falls, SD), nieces Rebecca Rector (Louisville, KY), and Gretchen Rector (Germany), nephew Matthew Rector (Clemson, SC), cousin Robert Snyder (Paula) (Nashville, TN), brother in law Dale Brown (Cynthia) (Troy, MI), (step) daughter-in-law Ann Brown (Virg Christoffels) (Sioux Falls, SD) and her great-grandchildren Claire, Annie, Jack and Kate.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, (step) son Douglas C. Brown, brother Frederick E. Rector, Jr., M.D., and best friend, her sister-in-law, Ann Rector.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider a memorial contribution, made in Nancy’s name, to the Greenville Humane Society at 304 Airport Road, Greenville, SC 29607 or by clicking the link below.

A visitation service will be held at the Woodlands at Furman in the Rose Room, Thursday January 8 at 4:30 pm. Nancy will be buried next to her dear husband at Woodlawn Memorial Park, Greenville, SC. A private family burial is planned.