Beryl "Penny" McElrath Brown

Beryl “Penny” McElrath Brown passed away on Friday, February 11, 2022, at her residence.

“How’s your sweet little Mama?” A phrase heard daily by her daughter during the last few years of Beryl’s life. Spoken by everyone who knew and loved her. Her family and neighbors adored her, and her caregivers fell in love with her. In turn, she loved her family abundantly and cared deeply for all others in her circle of life.

How she managed to endure all the trials and heartaches in her life of 95 years is beyond understanding of those left behind, except we know her Lord was holding her hand and keeping her strong.

She had a zest for life and lived it graciously to the fullest; loved golf, scoring several holes in one, played well into her late 80’s, and dreamed about playing every day thereafter.

She enjoyed telling stories and visiting with her friends, family and neighbors, hosting family events, preparing meals, and keeping everyone laughing with her quick wit and great sense of humor. To say that she will be missed is a great understatement.

She loved and cherished both husbands, first married 25 years to Frank Matthew Sherlin, father of her two daughters, the late Linda Moore (1999) and Kitty Brendell (Fred D. Brendell, Jr.) of Waynesville. Later she was married 35 years to Victor E. Brown, father of her stepson, Stephen Brown.

She is also survived by three loving sisters, Ovilla Carpenter, AL; Luella (Lousan) Warner, VA; and Patricia Barron, NC; four grandchildren: Kari Rochez (Peter), D’Arcy Kirby, Matthew Moore (Ashley), Kayce Moore Jaynes (Tyler), and two great-grandchildren Illa and Shelby Rochez.

Beryl was preceded in death by her two husbands, daughter, Linda Moore, brothers Edward and Lester McElrath, sister Edith Jefferies and parents Frank and Illa McElrath.

While there’s less light in this world because she’s gone from it, there’s a big party going on in Heaven today.

The memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 27 at 2:30 p.m. at Lake Hills Church, 370 Lake Dr., Biltmore Lake, NC 28715.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Meals on Wheels or a hospice organization of your choice.