“Hey, Sug,” Meemaw would say. She was an incredible listener who never passed judgment, always surrounded you in care and love (from the same room or from miles away), and held space for you to come to your own conclusion… which she always supported and validated, never missing an opportunity to instill confidence in a family member or friend. She ensured everyone felt comfortable saying “I love you” in the Brown family and was an unparalleled matriarch — loving, kind, thoughtful, and hardworking. She never missed a birthday call or Christmas card and loved celebrating and taking care of others. She was an avid bridge player and valued member of Les Jeunes Mères, the “Young Mothers” club, a name that she chuckled about, noting that they had become old gals somewhere along the way… many of whom were lifelong friends and every single one of whom she loved across the ages. She was a talented flower arranger who was constantly using her gifts to celebrate and uplift others. Folks often said they wished she were their own mom or that they considered her to be their second mom; her actual children and grandchildren were never surprised by this sentiment. She truly was the best mother and grandmother… and she proclaimed that spending time with her babies and grandbabies kept her young.
Meemaw and Deedaw initiated yearly Brown Family Reunions to get the whole crew together for a fun week of uninterrupted family time (incomplete without at least 10 games of Tripoli). One of her favorite things to do on family reunions was to kick back with a nice glass of wine with her little sister, Betty, who she cared about deeply and loved to reminisce and giggle with for hours on end. It was important for her and Deedaw to foster strong relationships amongst their own children and their “other halves,” as Meemaw called them — Carol & Fitz, Mack & Paula, Dan & Jeannie — and of course her six grandchildren. Meemaw was the proud grandmother of Austin, Carly, Breann, Katrina, Travis, and Jana. Over the years, she took being a Meemaw very seriously and with a lot of love and care. She especially loved flying out to Tucson to celebrate the Arizona Bunch at weddings and family events, driving down to Boca with Deedaw for the week to take care of Trav, and spending each weekend with Katrina and Jana in Birmingham… at Tannehill and Oak Mountain, going swimming next door, having a picnic, and being outdoors and in nature with Deedaw and the girls as much as possible.
All in all, Meemaw was happiest when she was taking care of Deedaw and surrounded by family… a beautiful person and so much more. We love you much, Meemaw. And we miss you beyond measure already. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, April 9, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Ridout's Valley Chapel in Homewood. A visitation and reception will immediately follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Helene Brown Memorial Fund at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
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