Dorothy May "Dot" Purdy Brown

She loved seeing young people learn and have fun! In her career as Putnam County 4-H Agent she said, “I had the best job on the face of the earth. She loved living and teaching the 4-H verse, Luke 2:52, “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man.” Dot loved her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and friends. She loved singing and—really loved dancing. Though it has been awhile since she’s been able to do either—she’s doing them both now! Dot went to be with Jesus late Monday night, July 25, 2016. Dorothy May Purdy Brown, daughter of the late Phillip James and Trana Jean Bailey Purdy was born on May 22, 1923 in McComas, WV. She attended public schools in Mercer County followed by earning her bachelor’s degree from Concord (College) University in 1945 with majors in English, PE, and Home Economics. At age 14 she professed her faith in Jesus Christ and has been committed to the church, community ministries, and Bible studies for nearly 80 years. Following college graduation, Dot returned to teach at McComas High School for 1 year and then trained to become the 1st Putnam County 4-H Agent, where she served for four years. During that time she met and married Winston C. Brown, Sr. Dot and Winston have four children (Jim, Judy, Winston, and Cindy). Dot taught English and PE at Poca High School for 5 years prior to the family moving from Nitro to Pliny in 1964. In 1970 she became the Putnam County 4-H Agent again and served 21 years until her retirement in March, 1991. After her retirement, Dot (Granny Dot) remained active serving on several Putnam County Committees and Boards as well as participating in Bible studies, Church, and community service projects (Better Schools in Putnam County, 4-H Leaders Association, and S.T.A.R.S. Family Organization.). She was inducted into the WV 4-H Hall of Fame in 2003 as one of the state’s influential professionals in WV Extension work. “I had the best job on the face of the earth and felt like what I did made a difference in the lives of children and their families.” Dot has been lovingly cared for by Bruce and Cindy (Brown) Noffsinger (Midway, WV) since 2010. Dot was preceded in death by her husband, Winston C. Brown, Sr. (1974), her parents, Phillip and Trana Purdy, three brothers—Bill, Ed, and Frank, and sister, Ruth Speake. She is survived by her brother Tom and wife Norma Purdy of Pittsfield, MA, her four children and their spouses (Jim & Sue Brown of Winchester, VA; Mike & Judy Stewart of Hickory, NC; Winston & Marsha Brown of Fraziers Bottom, WV; and Bruce & Cindy Noffsinger of Midway, WV), along with 15 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren (Robbie & Christi (Noffsinger) Gordon and children, Jenna, Ryne, & Avery; Dustin Noffsinger; Brandon Brown and children, Belle and Oliver; Josh & Rachael Brown and daughter, Gaeligh; Grace Stewart; Meredith (Brown) & Tony Craigo, and children, Luke and Levi; Gabe & Tiffany Brown and children Meleah, Kao, Archer, and Theona; Beth Noffsinger; Anna Stewart; Jake & Hannah Brown and children, Ryan, Samuel, & Ava ; Jared Brown; Michael & Lynette Stewart and son, Elijah; Hannah (Brown) & Shannon Barbe; Isaac Brown, and Simon Brown. Granny Dot will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her children and grandchildren are eternally grateful to God for having been influenced and loved by such an incredible woman, Mother and Grandmother (Granny)! Proverbs 31:28: “Her children rise up and call her blessed.” A service to celebrate Dot Brown’s life will be held 6pm Saturday, July 30, 2016 at Chapman Funeral Home, Teays Valley, WV with son, James M. Brown and son-in-law, Michael R. Stewart officiating. Burial will be in Pliny Presbyterian Cemetery, Pliny, WV. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in memory of Dorothy Brown to the S.T.A.R.S. Family Organization (14513 Charleston Road, Red House, WV 25168). Chapman Funeral Home, family-owned and located at 3941 Teays Valley Road, Hurricane is honored to serve the Brown family.

Dorothy May "Dot" Purdy Brown

May 22, 1923 - July 25, 2016