Rebecca Jane Brown, age 73, daughter of Deloris Chance Brown (Laurel) and James “Red” Brown and formerly of Brookville, passed away peacefully in Longview, Washington, after a lengthy illness. Becky was a beloved daughter, sister, niece, aunt, cousin, and friend whose kind and generous spirit touched the lives of everyone she met. She dedicated her life to serving others, and her memory will forever be cherished, especially by her relatives the Profitt family in Brookville.

Becky was an avid traveler who lived and worked in many states, including Indiana, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alaska, and Washington. She was known for her impeccable sense of direction and ability to read any map. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures, whether savoring breaded tenderloins at Metamora Canal Days or attending any community strawberry or apple festival. Gem hunting in North Carolina, exploring caves in New Mexico, shell seeking along an ocean coast or marveling at the Northern Lights in Alaska, Becky loved to travel –though she hated flying, and so was always ready for the next epic train, boat, or car road trip.      

A lifelong reader, Becky’s love for novels was a defining aspect of who she was. For Becky, books were a way to travel to different places and times when she couldn’t explore the world herself. Books embodied the love for one of her favorite words “adventure”  and she looked for that in every page she turned. She always had a book with her, even keeping one in her car for those spare moments to read. Her passion for fiction extended to British TV mystery series, and she could quote perfect dialogue from among others, “Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries,” showcasing her love for storytelling and a captivating journey.

One of Becky’s favorite sayings was, “timing is everything,” reflecting her belief in making the most of every moment. This philosophy was evident in all aspects of her life, from her relationships to her exceptional baking, where she maintained a chef and baker’s kitchen. Her pumpkin brownies, a family favorite, were highly requested at gatherings and work events alike. Renowned for her unwavering work ethic and outstanding customer service skills, Becky didn’t retire until the age of 70. Her natural ability to connect with people and her willingness to go the extra mile made her a standout in every job she held. Her commitment to excellence in customer service earned her numerous awards and accolades throughout her career, yet it was the heartfelt ‘thank you’ from customers that she cherished the most. For Becky, serving others was more than just a job requirement; it was a defining trait that left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Becky cherished her time at home, dedicating herself to her family, pets, and the house in Washington she was so proud to call her own. Whether she was designing gardens or thoughtfully selecting the perfect shade of paint for a room, Becky’s creative energy radiated throughout. She also loved working on such projects on family lands in Franklin County and with her cousin Jennifer Profitt’s historic Main Street property in Brookville. Though those were labors from times past, Becky’s fingerprint remains in the lasting beauty of the rose hedges, the Kwanzan cherry trees she planted, and the thoughtfully designed perennial beds that are and will continue to be enjoyed. 

Her laughter was infectious, a hallmark of her solar personality, and she was known to laugh often and very heartily. Her nurturing warmth, humor, and the joy she brought into the lives of those around her will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known her.

Paid obituary