Gale "Nana" Willis Brown

Gale “Nana” Willis Brown, 82, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away Tuesday, July 05, 2022 at her home surrounded by her family.

A native of McDowell County, she was born on December 22, 1939 to the late Howard and Lena Dennie Willis.

A Nana to all, she loved her family and everyone she met. She had a passion and true talent for bowling and was one of the top 5 bowlers in North Carolina. Nana was always there to help others, but she never expected anything in return. She was an excellent cook and was always smiling.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her sister, Ardith Todd, who she loved and was very close to.

She is survived by her husband of over 62 years, Harold “Boomer” Brown; two children, Laryssa Huskins (Bobby) and Mike Brown (Missy); three grandchildren, Brittany Smith (TJ), Tyler Brown, and Sommer Huskins; one great grandchild, Maverick Smith and two on the way, Maddox Smith and Jayce Leyva; her niece, Dawn Chapman (Bill); and her beloved pet and companion, Thumblena.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, July 08, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Beam Funeral Service with Revs. Steve Durham and TJ Smith officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow at McDowell Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to CarePartners Hospice and Palliative Care McDowell.

“Finally, I’m fine.”