Mercedes Brown

mercedes brown
Mercedes was born May 2, 1925 to Opal Ruth Richeson Lilly and Floyd Richard Lilly in Detroit, Michigan. She moved to Asheville as a small child when her father, a pioneering photo engraver, headed the photography department at the newspaper now Asheville Citizen-Times. She married Evan Javan Brown Jr. on March 22, 1943 while he was training as a navy pilot during World War II. She was preceded in death by Evan after 59 years of marriage. She is survived by brothers Dan Roberts and his wife, Maggie Lee and Steve Roberts. Steve's wife, Trudy, is deceased. She is also survived by her four children - Cherry Kay Brown Corn, Connie Elaine Brown Gardi, Richard Evan Brown and Cynthia Ruth Brown LaChapelle. She is survived by son-in-law Carl Leigh LaChapelle and predeceased by son-in-law Joel Clyde Corn. She has seven grandchildren - Pamela Corn Cook and husband, Robert; Andrea Corn Trotter and husband, Tim; Michele Mercedes Dubay and husband, Brian; Angela Madeline Elder and husband, John; Nanette Ann Corn; Scott Evan LaChapelle and Catherine Ruth LaChapelle. She has six great-grandchildren - Morgan Elder, Josie Trotter, Jackson Cook, Carson Dubay, Tyler Trotter and John Brayden Elder. Mercedes worked for Bell Aircraft during WWII. In addition to raising her children she and Evan built a pottery shop in Atlanta and another in Arden when he was transferred here by the FAA in 1955. Evan continued his family tradition of making pottery in the US since coming from England in 1741. Mercedes ran the business. Mercedes has been a faithful member of Long Shoals Baptist Church about 50 years. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 26 at Long Shoals Baptist Church with the Rev. Roger Rearden officiating. Interment will follow at Roberts Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 7:00-8:30 PM on Monday at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian. Mrs. Brown will be placed in the church 30 minutes prior to the service.

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  1. Cherry, Connie, Cindy and Ricky
    My prayers are with each of you at during this sad time. I have such fond memories of your mother.

  2. I was so sorry to hear about Mercedes. The Rhodes/Schultz family sends their love during this time.
    I have such fond memories of Mercedes and Evan. They contributed so much to the community!
    love,
    Judy Rhodes

  3. To Everyone! First, my sincere condolances to you all and my thoughts and prayers are with and for all of you. I was thankful enough for the chance to see her a few months ago while she and Cherry were visiting the Oaks where my Father is also. It was totally by chance, but it was a wonderful chance. Secondly, the photo included in this obituary just made me smile, as it truly captures the Mrs. Brown that i grew up knowing and loving! And seeing this smile again will help me remember how they BOTH are smiling together now up in Heaven. Take care – Susie

  4. To Richard and the entire Brown family, you have my symapthy. Mrs Brown was always very welcoming when I visited her home. She was a fine lady.

  5. Cherry, Pam, Andrea and Nanette: I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I miss you guys and think of you often. Please know that you and your families are in my heartfelt thoughts and prayers. Love, Cindy

  6. Cherry and Connie we are all so sad for you She is with Evan now and you know not in any pain You are all in our prayers we love you very much Joan and Jenny

  7. Most heartfelt condolences my brother. Please extend my sympathies to your siblings and extended family. God be with you.


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