Nancy Jean Brown

BAXTER CHAPEL-Nancy Jean Brown, 82, passed away on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at her home in Baxter, Tennessee.

Born on April 1, 1944, in Cookeville, Tennessee, Nancy was raised in the Boma Community, a place that remained close to her heart throughout her life. After 54 years away, she fulfilled her dream of moving back to the homeplace in Boma, returning to the community that had shaped her early years.

Nancy was a graduate of Upperman High School, Class of 1962. She continued her education at Tennessee Tech University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in History Education in 1966. She later received her master’s degree in special education from East Tennessee State in 1968. These accomplishments prepared her for a life’s work that would become a lasting testimony to her compassion and dedication.

For 42 years, Nancy served as a teacher in public schools and at Virginia Intermont in Bristol, Virginia. Her life was centered on faith, family, friends, and working with special needs children. She carried a deep desire to show love and respect to her special need students, and that calling was evident in the care and commitment she gave throughout her long career. The lives she touched through education and encouragement stand as part of her enduring legacy.

Nancy was a member of New Home Baptist Church and accepted Christ in April 1953. While in Bristol, she attended Euclid Ave. Baptist Church. She served on the pastor search and finance committees and took senior ladies on trips. Her faith guided her life and was reflected in the way she loved others, served her community, and remained devoted to the values that mattered most to her.

She is survived by her brothers, Willam David Brown and his wife, Julia, of Cookeville, and Virgle Brown Jr. and his wife, Cindy, of Baxter and her sister, Faith Elaine Adams of Baxter. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, Hastings Galloway, Maggie Brown, William Paul Adams, Joanna Hope Adams, Mark Jason Adams, Kayla Brown Anderson, and Kristen Brown Harpe. They, along with her many friends and all who were blessed by her kindness and steady example, will cherish her memory with love and gratitude.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Virgle Young Brown Sr. and Mary Nell Anderson Brown; her sister, Rosemary Brown; her sister-in-law, Debbie Brown; and her brother-in-law, Tim Adams.

The family will receive friends Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 11 am until service time at 1 pm at New Home Baptist Church (10350 Old Baxter Rd., Baxter, TN). Interment will follow in New Home Baptist Church Cemetery. Bro. Tony Crow will officiate.

Nancy's nieces and nephews will serve as pallbearers.

Memorial contributions may be made to New Home Baptist Church or New Home Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Virgle Brown, Jr., 2420 Jared Ridge Rd., Baxter, TN 38544.

Nancy Jean Brown lived a life of purpose, devotion, and quiet strength. She will be remembered for her faithful heart, her commitment to children with special needs, her love for family and friends, and the grace with which she lived her life. Her memory will remain a blessing to all who knew her.

Baxter Chapel Hooper-Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements (931)858-2134. You may share condolences and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com