Elaine H. Brown

Elaine Holt Brown, 73, of Cullowhee, passed peacefully into the loving arms of her Lord and savior, Jesus Christ on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. She leaves behind a legacy of faith and love for the Lord that has impacted countless lives.

Born on January 11, 1952 in Mooresville, NC, Elaine was the daughter of the late Fred and Kathleen Holt. She spent her early years in Spencer, NC where she attended North Rowan High School. She later attended Western Carolina University receiving her undergraduate degree in Special Education and later a master’s degree in Media Coordination (Library Science).

Upon graduation, Elaine began a teaching career with Haywood County Public Schools before pausing to raise her three sons during their formative years. She later returned to the workforce in various settings and roles ranging from preschool to college including stops at “Play Factory” (First Baptist Church, Sylva), Smoky Mountain High School, Cullowhee Valley Elementary, Covenant Christian School, and Western Carolina University.

Elaine was known throughout the community as a faithful and selfless servant in several ways such as serving the many shut-ins through “Meals on Wheels” as a ministry calling on her life. An active member of the body of Christ at Webster Baptist Church, she was involved in various ministries and many have been blessed by her beautiful singing voice and other musical gifts.

Elaine will be dearly missed but the deep love she had for the Lord and others, along with her commitment to worship and prayer will continue to impact the lives of so many who knew her. Known to 12 grandchildren as “Gammie” and “Ghea”, she truly loved her family and continually advocated for “togetherness”.

Elaine leaves behind her loving and faithful husband of over 48 years, Dolphus Brown, and her three sons, David Brown (Amanda) of Johnson City, TN; Jonathan Brown (Tammy) of Sylva, NC; and Stephen Brown (Jordyn) of Cullowhee, NC; brother, Bob Holt (Teresa), and sister, Donna Savage (Jeff); twelve grandchildren, Chloe Goodson (Chris), Isaac Brown, Griffin Brown, Alillya Fuller, Dylan Brown, Henry Brown, Oliver Brown, Samara Brown, Caroline Brown, Teddy Brown, and Hannah-Kate Brown.