Mary Branch Brown, 73, passed away on March 13, 2017, after an extended illness.

A lifelong resident of the Peninsula, she is the daughter of the late Earl Branch and Gladys Lovett Branch. She is a graduate of Phenix High School, where she met her husband, Edward Percell Brown. Mary earned a Bachelor of Science from Hampton Institute (now known as Hampton University) and a Master in Education from Old Dominion University. She began her career at Sarah Bonwell Hudgins Center in Hampton. She later moved on to the York County School System. Mary started as a Speech and Language Pathologist and ended her career as a Special Needs Early Childhood Educator. She retired from the York County School System after 35 years of service in 2006.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Solomon Branch.

Mary is survived by her husband of 50 years, Edward Percell Brown; son, Anthony Percell Brown (Cynthia M.); and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

The family expresses heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the staff of Sentara Hospice for their dedication to duty, wonderful care and support.

A funeral service will be held 10 a.m., Saturday, March 18, 2017 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 230 -33rd St., Newport News. Interment will follow in Hampton Memorial Gardens. Viewing will be from 1-6 p.m. Friday at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. O.H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.