Janie Marie Merricks Brown, 87, of Emporia, Virginia received her angel wings and went home on Saturday, January 28, 2023. She was the daughter of Henry Edward Merricks and Clara Wright Rawlings Merricks.

Janie was a loving wife, mother, Granny, aunt, sister-in-law, coworker, and friend. Her family came first including her church family. Janie lived her life demonstrating Christian values in all she did. She was kind, loving, hardworking, and put the care of others first.

She worked as a bookkeeper at C. S. Livesay; Creedle, Jones, and Alga; and S. A. Thompson & Associates for 65 years. Her passion was working with her farm clients in the counties surrounding Emporia, Virginia.

Ĵanie had a strong service philosophy which was clearly demonstrated by her work with the Emporia Greensville Recreation Association (EGRA) as the treasurer and a member of the board of directors. She is a lifelong member of Purdy Baptist Church. She served in many capacities, such as Sunday School teacher, deacon, treasurer (40 years) and as a member of various committees.

Janie is survived by daughter Deborah Brown Pearce (Randy), granddaughter Brittney Pearce, grand-fur-babies (Brody, SydneeMae, & Midnight); and grandson, Zachary Brown. She was preceded by her husband, Bobby Gene Brown and her son James “Jimmy” Brown. She is alao survived by her sister, Lorrell Merricks Wilson (John R. Wilson, "Big Bobby") and preceded by her youngest sister, Barbara C. Wilson (Robert Joseph Wilson, "Little Bobby"). She is also survived by 2 sister-in-laws, Cotrisha Aycock (Tommy) and Betty Lester (Marvin). She loved her nieces and nephews & doted on them regularly.

A funeral service will be held at Echols Funeral Home in their chapel at 806 Brunswick Ave on Tuesday, January 31st at 2PM followed by burial at Greensville Memorial Cemetery.

Online condolences can be made at echolsfuneralhome.com.