Gail Fussell Brown

Barbara Gail Brown, 85 years old, crossed over to her heavenly home on Monday, January 16, 2023. She passed away peacefully with loved ones at her bedside.

Funeral service for Gail will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at Carlisle Funeral Home with Reverend Stanley Buck and Michael Bryan officiating. Visitation with the family will begin at 10:00 until service time. Burial will follow in Edgecombe Memorial Park. 

Gail was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence “Buddy” Brown, her daughters Teresa Gail Brown and Rena Carol Brown, her parents Herbert W. Fussell and Maude Shaw Fussell, six brothers, Carlton Fussell, Tom Fussell, Willie (Brother) Fussell, Jack Fussell, Milton (Bill) Fussell, and Wilton Fussell and Great Granddaughter, Olivia Grace Brown.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory a loving family which include her sister and best friend, Betty Ruth Kent, son Clarence Barrow (C.B.) Brown and wife, Susan, adopted son, Richard Whitley and wife, Kim, grandchildren, Daniel Brown, Josh Brown, Adam Brown and wife, Amber and many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly. Gail grew up in a loving Christian home and felt blessed to have such wonderful Christian parents. She attended the Tarboro First Pentecostal Holiness Church as a child and many years into adulthood where she married her first love Clarence “Buddy” Brown in 1955. In her latter years she attended the First Freewill Baptist Church. She loved the Lord Jesus and spread His love and joy wherever she went.

She started working at Mayo Knitting Mill in 1960. She worked there for 40 years supervising over 80 women at a time, whom she called “her girls”. She shared many stories of her time there and said she loved going to work everyday. She often spoke of how grateful she was for the opportunities and support the Mayo’s gave her while working there. She retired in 2000, with many lasting friendships and good memories.

After retirement she moved in with her son, his wife and grandchildren. She created special moments with each one of them and brought a special light into their home. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, and traveling. A couple of Gail’s favorite excursions were when niece, Sibby and husband Bill would take Gail and her traveling buddies; best friend Lula Chappell, sister Betty Ruth on weekend trips. Their fun times together earned them the title “The Golden Girls”. There was never a dull moment when these ladies were together. In her latter years she loved to go stay with her niece Karen and husband, Ellis where they would spoil Gail and Betty Ruth with her favorite breakfast waffles at the Country Club and shopping. Gail was loved by all of her family. It is certain that each niece, nephew, grandchild, child and friend has their own special story of time spent with Gail. Everyone that knew her speaks of her sweetness, kindness, caring and loving personality. She was joyful in helping others and always did above and beyond what was expected. Throughout good times, loss and adversity she continued to praise her heavenly Father and reflect his goodness to others. Her bright smile and joyful spirit will be greatly missed.

Near to Gail’s heart was the North Carolina Special Olympics. Her daughter, Rena, participated in the activities and enjoyed this organization. If you would like to make a donation in memory of Gail, click on the link below. Thank you. https://give.specialolympicsnc.com/In-Memory-of-Gail-Brown           

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