Theda Brown

Theda Penland Brown 99 of Bluefield, WV, passed on to her heavenly home on March 25, 2025 at Bowers Hospice House in Beckley, WV. Born May 8, 1925, in Dante, VA, she was the daughter of Frank and Fronia Kizer Penland. She had fond memories of growing up on Hazel Mountain with her brothers Furman, Spivey, Clyde and Gene and her sisters Charm, Verle and Wilma. She loved to tell the stories of milking cows before school, churning butter and feeding the chickens. Her brother Furman was killed in WWII and all of her siblings pre-deceased her. She was raised with her two nieces, Thelma and Anne, who were more like younger sisters to her. She was also predeceased by all of Ralph’s siblings, who she was extremely close to. On 12/24/45, Theda, married Ralph W. Brown and they spent many years together until he passed away in 1991. Their oldest, Ralph, Jr. (Smokey) was born in Dante and they moved to Bluefield when Smokey was 18 month old where their two daughters, Iris and Theresa were born. Theda was the longest serving member of the Cumberland Road Church of God (for over 60 years). She was the first director of the YPE and taught several Sunday School classes. She later attended Bluewell PH where she taught the youth and adult Sunday School Class. After her declining health she attended Bible Baptist Church and Crossroads. Theda’s house was the gathering place for her kids, grandkids, great-grandkids and their friends, and was Momaw to most. She was a homeroom mother and on the board of the PTA at East End Elementary and volunteered for several civic organizations. In later years she worked at Cole Bakery and worked many years at R & T Electric until her retirement. In addition to the above, she was preceded in death by her son, Ralph W. (Smokey) Brown, Jr., a son-in-law Larry Lowman and grandsons Bradley Lowman and Jordan Rose. Survivors include her daughter-in-law Karen Brown, two daughters, Iris Lowman and Theresa Baria and a special son-in-law Quent Baria. Grandchildren Rod (Cyndi), Brian (Michele), Doug (Tracie), Angel (Mike), Jackson and Emily. Granddaughters-in-law Brandi and Kristen. Great grandchildren, Lauren, Will, Caroline, Ashley, Colton, Emersyn, Taylor (Daron), Kaylyn (D.J.), Dillon (Daphney) and Hunter (Morgan). Great, great grandchildren Cayden, Daken, Oaklyn, Eli, Shalen, Phoenix, Saige, Jordan Carter and an expected great, great grandson in August. Her two buddies Aiden and Dakota also survive. Our many thanks go out to PCH and Bowers Hospice House for her excellent end of life care. Also to her friend Mary Lynn at Mercer Funeral Home, who handled the arrangements with such compassion. A Celebration of Theda’s life will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Mercer Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 1:30 p.m. until the service hour. Memorial Contributions may be made in Theda’s memory to the church of your choice or the Bowers Hospice House, 454 Cranberry Dr., Beckley, WV 25801.

Theda Brown

May 8, 1925 - March 25, 2025