Elizabeth Brown

Elizabeth Ann Brown, 83, passed from this life on July 23, 2024, surrounded by loved ones at her home in Cookeville, Tennessee.

Elizabeth was born on April 11, 1941, in Jamestown, Tennessee, to Victor and Hazel Garrett (née Beaty) where she was raised alongside her siblings Sylvia, Larry, and John.

From an early age, she displayed a passion for music. She began playing the organ at her church on her thirteenth birthday, a role she continued throughout her life, dedicating her talents to First Baptist Church in Jamestown for over 30 years and Stevens St. Baptist Church in Cookeville for 20 years.

In 1960, she began a career teaching piano that spanned over 50 years , during which time, she taught over 1000 students, many of whom became accomplished musicians and music teachers.

She attended York Institute where she met her late husband, William Cooper Crouch. They married in October 1959 and had two children, Kem William Crouch and Desiree Dawn Hillis (née Crouch). They lived in Jamestown together until Cooper's tragic passing in 1986. Elizabeth remained in Jamestown until 1988 when she moved to Cookeville to be close to her daughter, Desiree, and her young family. Shortly after moving to Cookeville, she met her current husband, Charles Edward Brown, whom she married on August 7, 1993, sharing the last 36 years of her life with him.

Elizabeth was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother affectionately called “Nannie”. She would do anything for those she loved and was gentle and compassionate to all fortunate enough to be around her, both human and animal alike. She deeply cared for her dog, Jake, who remained her loyal companion until the very end. Known for her inability to turn away strays, she had a number of cats to love and care for throughout her life. She enjoyed traveling and frequently visited Nashville with her husband, Charles. She had a passion for fashion and was always dressed to impress. Though she was under five feet tall, she made a big impact on everyone in her life, embodying the phrase "little but mighty". She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Elizabeth is survived by her husband, Charles Brown of Cookeville, TN; children, Kem (Melissa) Crouch of Jamestown, TN, and Desiree (Randy) Hillis of Cookeville, TN; grandchildren, Tyler Norman, Daniel Hillis, and Brittany (Cameron) Gaw of Cookeville, TN, Hannah (Zac) Johnson of McMinnville, TN, and step-grandchildren, Christian Coffey, Seth Coffey, and Evan Coffey of Knoxville, TN; great-grandchildren, Baylor Gaw and Denver Gaw of Cookeville, TN and Aiden and Hadley Johnson of McMinnville, TN; siblings, Sylvia (Earl) Cowan of Cookeville, TN, Larry (Rhondda) Garrett, and John (Sheila) Garrett of Jamestown, TN; brothers and sisters-in-law, Mike (Tammy) Brown of Hurricane, West Virginia, Marlene Crouch, and Brenda Crouch of Jamestown, TN; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and beloved dog, Jake.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Cooper Crouch (d. 1986) of Jamestown, TN; father and mother, Victor Garrett and Hazel Garrett (neé Beaty) of Jamestown, TN; and nephew, Chad Garrett of Jamestown, TN.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to caretakers Kim Roberson, Marcia Baldwin, Pam Webb, Mallory Matthews and Jodi Gibson who became like family, and to the staff at Gentiva Hospice of Cookeville for their compassionate care and support through this difficult time.

A service to honor and celebrate Elizabeth's life will be held 3 p.m. on Saturday July 27 at the First Baptist Church in Jamestown. Friends and family are welcome to pay their respects during visitation hours from 1 to 3 p.m. at the church, and also on Friday evening from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home. Elizabeth will be laid to rest at Fentress Memorial Gardens.

In remembrance of Elizabeth's enduring spirit and her battle with Alzheimer's, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer TN, 390 S Lowe Ave Suite I, Cookeville, TN 38501. www.alztennessee.org

Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111 Share condolences and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.