Norma Brown Obituary

Norma Johnson Brown

August 6, 1946 - March 20, 2025

Norma Adrienne Johnson Brown, 78, of Cary, North Carolina, died on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Marion, Virginia, on August 6, 1946.

She is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Vince Brown; her daughter Adrienne Brown and son-in-law Dave Hedeman; her granddaughter, Eliza Hedeman-Brown, all of Carrboro, North Carolina.

She is survived by two brothers and sisters-in-law, Ronnie and Jo Johnson, of Blanchester, Ohio, and Johnny and Suzie Johnson, of Atkins, Virginia; and two sisters and a brother-in-law, Karen and Harry Simmerman, of Hardy, Virginia, and Freda Johnson, of Fayetteville, Tennessee. She is survived by her sisters- and brothers-in-law through her husband: June and Thom Riley of Newport News, Virginia; Jim and Jane Brown of New Oxford, Pennsylvania; and Keith and Janet Brown of Columbia, South Carolina. She is also survived by dozens of cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews - all of whom claim to have been her favorite.

A graduate of Marion College and Radford University, Mrs. Brown started her career teaching high school in Chilhowie, Christiansburg, and Hampton, Virginia. She worked at Christopher Newport University for more than 20 years, starting as office manager of lifelong learning and working her way up to interim vice president for university advancement. After retiring in 2004, most of all she enjoyed living near her daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter in North Carolina.

A former long-time member of Kiwanis International, she volunteered in the local food bank, the Durham Literacy Society, and the elementary school her granddaughter attended. At her church, Massey's Chapel UMC of Durham, Norma served as the leader of the Notecard Ministry (notes sent to those who were ill, grieving, or celebrating a special day), and as a member of the Staff-Parish Relations Committee, tasked with oversight of pastor and staff. Norma also helped start and organize the church's monthly "Getting to Know You Better" lunches designed to help members and visitors form friendships.

She enjoyed traveling with her husband and liked to work jigsaw puzzles, read, cook, and be with friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Norma's name to Massey's Chapel UMC, 7222 Fayetteville Rd., Durham, NC 27713.