Mary Ann Brown

Mary Ann Brown (nee Miller) of West Columbia, SC died peacefully after an extended illness on January 28, 2026, at the age of 72, at Lexington Medical Center surrounded by her family. A dedicated wife, mother and grandmother, Mary is much loved and will be forever missed by her family and friends.

Mary was born in St. Marys, Ohio on January 20, 1954. She lived most of her early life in New Knoxville, where she graduated from high school. Before and following graduation, Mary worked as a nurse’s aid at a local hospital where she befriended a co-worker, Peggy Folk (Brown) who introduced Mary to her brother, Tom. This first meeting subsequently resulted in Mary and Tom’s marriage on December 12, 1980.

During her 45+ years of marriage to Tom, Mary lived in several places including: Kennesaw, GA; Charlotte, NC; Florence, SC; and finally, West Columbia, SC (where they have lived since 1996). While living in Florence, SC, Mary became certified in nursing care. Mary is survived by her husband, Tom, and her daughter and son-in-law - Kristy and Tim Frazer, and her grandsons, Jackson and Jace Frazer.

Mary had a strong family bond developed from her parents and upbringing in a small Ohio community. Her true joy was mothering, mentoring and providing for her daughter and son-in-law, and her two grandsons. They brought a bright smile to her face when she talked about them. In later years, Kristy, Tim and the boys became neighbors to Mom and Dad, as the families continued to enjoy their love for each other.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Norman and Rita Miller, and is survived by her siblings, Julie (Bob) Ziegenbusch of New Bremen, OH, Dale (Kim) Miller of St. Marys, OH and Dean Miller of New Knoxville. Also, she is survived by her brother and sister-in-laws: Bob (Susan) Brown of Centerville, OH, Betty (Harold) Hussey of St. Marys, OH, John (Luanne) Brown of Goodyear, AZ, and Peggy Folk of St. Marys, OH. Mary’s sister-in-law, Mary Ann Hollman, and her brother-in-law, Jim Folk, preceded her in death. She is survived by many loving nephews and nieces.

Mary was an expert crafter. She found great enjoyment and relaxation in crocheting, and doing needlepoint. She did beautiful work. Mary won various awards for her work, particularly for the afghans that she crocheted, including Grand Prize awards for her work at several South Carolina state fairs. Mary also enjoyed family camping and travels to various state and national parks in the Carolina area. She particularly enjoyed frequent family visits to the Smokey Mountains (Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg), Hunting Island State Park, and Myrtle Beach. Mary also enjoyed birds and flowers, as was evident from the various artifacts in and around their home that complemented her love for both.

Friends and family may pay their respects to Mary and the Brown/Frazer family on Thursday, February 5, 2026, between 12:00-12:45 p.m. at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, West Columbia Chapel, 820 West Dunbar Road, Columbia, SC. A memorial service celebrating Mary Ann’s life will be held at the funeral home shortly after the viewing.

Instead of flowers, those wishing to remember Mary Ann are encouraged to make a donation to the American Lung Association (https://www.lung.org/donate).