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On Oct. 8, one of earth’s most precious angels, Elease Layne Brown, gained her heavenly wings. Elease was born on Nov. 11, 1931 in Tennessee to the late Mollie and Roy T. Layne. In addition to her parents, Elease was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years, Charles Laverne Brown, her daughter, Vickie Starkie, and a brother, Raybon Layne. Elease and Charlie Brown lived most of their married life in Greenville where they formed many decades long friendships. They were known for their service to their church and community, their hospitality and their love of card games and dominoes. Elease never met a stranger and lit up every room she entered.  To know her was to love her. She spent her later years in Madison, near family, and continued to spread love and light.

Elease is survived by her son, Rick Brown, (Carmelita) of Madison; son-in-law Robbie Starkie of Tampa, Florida; granddaughters Mollie Durham (Eric) of Villa Rica, Georgia and Jenny Waters (Josh) of Tampa; great granddaughter Charley Waters and great grandson EJ Durham. She is also survived by her brother, Toddy Layne of Fayetteville, Tennessee and her sister June Lowe of Lewisburg, Tennessee along with many nieces and nephews. Elease had a “bonus” daughter, Cindy Sirmon, whose mother, Mary Lou Terrell was Elease’s very best friend.Thanks to Cindy, they all had many great adventures traveling, going to Alabama football games, country concerts, plays and more. The entire Terrell family considered Elease part of their family.   

Visitation will be held Sunday, Oct. 20 from 12:30 – 2 p.m. at Dunklin Funeral Home in Greenville with a service to follow at 2 p.m. officiated by Minister Charles Box of Walnut Street Church of Christ, Elease’s long-time church home. The family will have a private graveside service. Donations may be sent in Elease’s memory to Walnut Street Church of Christ, 306 Walnut Street, Greenville, AL 36037.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff and residents of Madison Manor in Madison. For the past two years, they have loved her like family and mourned her passing with us.  

Thank you to the nursing staff of Compassus Hospice Care who provided so much support to us in the days before and immediately after her passing.  The family would also like to thank the staff and membership of Madison Church of Christ for their many visits, gifts and prayers, especially Angela Kirkland who spent many hours visiting with Elease during her time at Madison Manor. 

For online condolences, please visit www.dunklinfh.com.