Mae Dickson Brown passed away on Sunday, April 26th, at Ross Memorial Health Care Center in Kennesaw, Georgia, after a brief illness. She was 97 years old. Prior to her illness, she had been a resident at Pittsboro Christian Village in Pittsboro, North Carolina, for over ten years.
She was born on February 22, 1923 in Barrington, Rhode Island. Both her parents were immigrants from Ireland.
She was a graduate of Leander Remington Peck High school, where she excelled in basketball.
She moved to Long Beach, California, during World War II. There she met, and eventually married, John Willis Brown, who was a US Navy sailor stationed at the local naval base. The couple married in Hollywood, Florida, on March 5, 1948. They soon moved to Atlanta, Georgia to begin their family and where her husband established a successful ornamental iron business.
She was an active member of North Atlanta Bible Chapel in Brookhaven, Georgia, where she was a distinguished soloist and played organ for most of her adult life. She was also a leader and much sought after speaker for the Christian Women’s Club for many years. She was known by all for her sweet, cheerful, and helpful spirit.
She is preceded in death by her father, John Trew Dickson, and her mother, Margaret McClelland Dickson. She is also preceded in death by four siblings: the Rev. Joseph Dickson, John Dickson, and Anna Grace Dickson, as well as her husband, John Willis Brown. She is survived by her sister, Margaret Dickson Dewhurst, and four children: Sharon Ann Cumming, Susan Brown Rubin, Carolyn Diane Talley, and John Dickson Brown. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
Arrangements for Mae are being handled by Donaldson Funeral Home and Cremation of Pittsboro NC.
There will be a graveside service at Chatham Memorial Park in Siler City, North Carolina, on Thursday, April 30, at 2:30 pm.
Because of the coronavirus, attendance for this service is restricted to immediate family. The family plans a memorial service for a broader range of guests when it becomes safe to do so.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to Mae ‘s home for the past ten years, Pittsboro Christian Village, 1825 East Street, Pittsboro NC, 27312.
Mae leaves to her family, and to everyone who knew her, a rich legacy of Christian faith, hope and love. She will be deeply missed.