Obituaries

Ruby Mae “Mae Belle” Brown, 93, of Ridgeway, Virginia, transitioned to her heavenly home Monday, February 16, 2026. She was born February 13, 1933, in Ridgeway, Virginia to the late James J. Moore and Arthene Millner Moore.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of more than fifty years, Robert Lee Brown; sisters, Lucille Estes, Marie Smith; and her brother, James Moore.

Mother Ruby was a faithful member of the Mountain View Missionary Baptist Church where she was the mother of the church and a spiritual advisor and mentor to the ladies of the congregation. She was a missionary; guiding, encouraging, and praying for those around her.

Mae Belle started her career in the housekeeping department at Burlington Industries for forty years and then continuing her career at Bassett Walker for the next seven years. She loved to cook, clean and look after her grandchildren and great grandchildren whom she dearly loved and treasured each moment she had with them. She was a praying mother for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was always there for any of them whenever she was needed. Mae Belle loved to sing and had a voice that could draw the attention of anyone around her. More than anything else, she loved her family, and all of who she was surrounded by, and wanted to cherish and make lasting memories with each and every one of them. Although her body is no longer with us, her family, friends, and everyone who knew her will always remember the joy and presence of God that stayed with her wherever she went. She will always be held close in their hearts and the memories made will be held dear.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Marie Brown and Sara Brown; sons, William Moore, David Moore (Anna), Robert Brown, and James Brown (Cindy); a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

A floating visitation will be held Friday, February 27, 2026, from 2:00 – 5:00 PM at Wright Funeral Service Martinsville Chapel. A funeral service will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Mountain View Missionary Baptist Church at 456 Piney Forest Dr, Martinsville, Virginia. Interment will follow at Mayo Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. A visitation will be held one-half hour prior to the funeral service.

The Brown Family would like to extend their gratitude for all the thoughts and prayers sent their way during their time of grief.

Wright Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family.