Brown, Emma Long
Emma Louise “Lou” Brown, 99, died peacefully on October 29, 2025. Lou was born on August 12, 1926, in Holden, West Virginia, daughter of Wilbur and Ethel Long. She was preceded in death by her parents, two older brothers, their wives, and one older sister, as well as the love of her life, Lacy William “Bill” Brown and her son, James William “Jimmy/JB” Brown.
Lou is survived by her daughter, Patty Devens (Pat), JB’s partner Miriam Rich, grandchildren Katy Devens Zamer (Craig), Kym Devens Gouker (Joel), Rick Devens (Becca), and Hannah Brown. She had seven great-grandchildren.
Lou met Bill at National Business College in Roanoke after attending Concord College for a year. She then worked for Appalachian Power Company before her marriage to Bill in 1949. The couple moved to Blacksburg, and, despite Bill’s warning that coaches move a lot, they never left. Lou was a devoted coach’s wife and active mother. She attended innumerable sports events from sandlot through college and enjoyed watching sports on television as well. She was a Girl Scout leader, Cub Scout den mother, and Sunday School teacher. Lou was very talented: she sewed, knit, cross-stitched, crewel-embroidered, quilted, and more. She donated many of her knitted hats to the Christmas Store or food pantry, and her family never had cold ears. In 1963, Lou became secretary at the new Margaret Beeks Elementary School where she remained for 23 years. Many people told her she was their first introduction to Blacksburg, and they appreciated her help and smiling face. After her retirement, she and Bill enjoyed 12 more years together, staying close to home or traveling to see children and grandchildren. Her best friend, Bill, died in 1997.
She was a member of Northside Presbyterian Church, serving as deacon and on numerous
committees. She volunteered at Montgomery Regional Hospital for 10 years. She was an
inspiration to many, growing older with dignity and always keeping a sense of humor. She will be greatly missed, but her loved ones are comforted to know that Bill and Jimmy are waiting for her at the pearly gates.
A funeral service will be held at Northside Presbyterian Church on Saturday, November 22, at 10:00 am.
If you wish, you may send contributions to The Bill Brown Scholarship Fund, 613 Rose
Avenue, Blacksburg, VA 24060, to help a Blacksburg High School student attend college, or to Northside Presbyterian Church, 1017 Progress Street NW, Blacksburg, VA 24060.
