Elaine Blackwell Brown, affectionately known as "Mouchi", was born May 17, 1945, in Manning, South Carolina. She was the daughter of the late Reverend Norman Robert and Marjorie Brunson Blackwell. Elaine was a beautiful, gifted woman of grace and faith.
She received her early education at Boylan-Haven Mather Academy in South Carolina. She earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Norfolk State University and a Master of Human Resource Management from George Washington University. She was an educator in the Newport News Public School System and served as a middle school science teacher. Her career highlight was establishing Stewardship Capital Campaigns in which she enabled churches to reach their financial objectives.
Elaine's life exemplified a spirit of compassion and dedication, which was demonstrated through her love for family, church, and students. For more than fifteen years, she was the First Lady of First Baptist Church East End and was instrumental in the League of Christian Women's Ministry. In addition, she was the church administrator. She fulfilled these roles with dignity and humility.
Elaine was preceded in death by her husband, the Reverend Woodrow M. Brown Jr., former Pastor Emeritus of First Baptist Church East End, and one brother Norman Robert Blackwell Jr.
She is survived by her two sons, Woodrow (Irene) and Robert (Tiffani); five grandchildren, Vittorio, Isabella, Isaiah, Judah, and Aurum; three beloved sisters-in-law, Woodrena Curtis (Ronald), Rodgerline Vann (Frankie), and Renee Holloman (Thaddeus); one brother-in-law, Maurice Angenvine; three nieces, Regina Blackwell Brown, Richardae Araojo, and Kelsey Holloman; two nephews, Ronald Curtis Jr. and Thaddeus Holloman Jr.; her close friend and confidant Gloria Smith; and a host of relatives and friends.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at First Baptist Church East End, 3000 Jefferson Ave., Newport News, VA 23607. The family will host a visitation at O.H. Smith & Son Funeral Home between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. on Monday, December 12, 2022. O.H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.
