Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

It was a crisp fall morning, Wednesday, September 24, 2025, when Ethel Louise Brown peacefully completed her earthly journey.

Louise was the beloved daughter of the late John and Ethel Tyler (Pankey). Born on
November 5, 1922, in Quinnimont, WV,

Ethel, affectionately known to
many as Louise, was the second of their three children. The family later moved to
Fayetteville, WV, where Louise would make her lifelong home.

Louise was educated in Fayette County and graduated from Simmons High School
in Montgomery, WV. She later married Blandford Brown, and together they were blessed with three daughters, Shirley, Dorothy and Linda. Their home
was filled with love, faith, and contentment.

Louise, a devoted woman of God, revolved her life around family and church. She was a faithful servant of the Lord, and for more than six decades she was an active member of Second Baptist Church in Fayetteville, where she served in many roles—choir member, Sunday School Superintendent and teacher, Mission President, usher and a member of the Ladies Club. After the church closed its doors in 2010, she joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Garten, WV, where she continued to serve faithfully until her health prevented her from attending when she was a hundred years old.

Louise also gave much of her time and energy to the wider faith community. She held numerous offices within the New River Baptist Association, including officer of the Congress of Christian Education #3, officer of the Woman’s Convention of New River, Ushers’ Federation and member of the New River Association Choir. She was also a faithful member of the West Virginia Baptist State Convention, where she served in many capacities. Her service included the Women’s Auxiliary, Ushers’ Auxiliary, Congress of Christian Education Auxiliary, and the Deacons’ Wives Auxiliary.

Louise was a member of the Community Choir, member of the Fayetteville City Council, member of the Rhododendron Garden Club, Junior Matrons Club and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Louise was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Blandford, sister, Gladys, brother, Theodore and sister-in-law, Marion Dillard and daughters, Shirley (infant) and Dorothy, special nephew, Thomas Dillard and special cousin, Charlotte Tyler Faulks.

Louise’s life was a beautiful testimony of service, faith, and love. Her favorite saying was “Serving the Lord Pays Off!” and her favorite song was, “Your Grace and Mercy”.

Louise leaves to cherish her memory, her devoted daughter, Linda [Ricky] Manuel, of Fayetteville, WV; grandson, Charles Briscoe, Jr. of Oak Hill, WV; great-grandsons, (Tre’) Charles [Lexa] Briscoe, III of Ashland, KY, Marcus Briscoe of Oak Hill, WV; and great-great-granddaughter, Zamirah Louise.

She is survived by Elvira Dorcas Luster, a special daughter, and Linda Kay Dillard and Linda Audrey Smith, her special nieces. She is also survived by a loving extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will forever remember her faith, kindness, and unwavering love.

Though she has gone from our sight, Louise’s legacy of faith, family, and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Funeral service will be 12:00PM Friday October 10, 2025 at Hilltop Baptist Center
The Baptist Road Hilltop, WV. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park, Beckley.

Friends, while wearing masks and observing social distancing, may visit with the family one-hour prior.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.