Rita Faye Brown

Rita Faye Brown was born in Round Hill, Virginia, to the late Thelma E. Smith and Henry Morris. Raised in a large and loving family, she was the third-oldest grandchild among more than 50 grandchildren.

Rita began her education at Willing Workers Hall, which later became Purcellville Elementary Colored School. She continued her education at Carver Elementary School and graduated from Douglas High School in Leesburg, Virginia, in 1953.

After graduating from high school, Rita moved to White Plains, New York, where she briefly worked as a nurse. In 1958, she began her career as a telephone operator with New York Telephone, affectionately known as “Ma Bell.” She devoted 30 years of service to the company before retiring.

On December 11, 1960, Rita married Sterling R. Evans Jr. Together, they were blessed with three children: Lisa Annette Evans, Sterling Richard Evans III, and Scott Christopher Evans. They remained married for 26 years.

Rita later married Tom C. Brown of Purcellville, Virginia. During her retirement, she enjoyed traveling with Tom, gardening, and working part-time as a school attendant and in nursing. She was also a true “snowbird,” spending her winters in Avon Park, Florida. Over the course of 19 winters there, she made many wonderful memories.

Summers were especially meaningful to Rita because they gave her the opportunity to spend time with her grandchildren. She enjoyed teaching them how to garden, taking them to the library, and creating cherished memories during family vacations to the beach. Rita loved her family dearly and took great pride in watching her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Thelma Smith- Stewart and Henry Morris; her first husband, Sterling R. Evans; her second husband, Tom C. Brown; her beloved daughter, Lisa Evans Crittenton; her beloved sister, Deloris Marie Grooms; her brother-in-law, James “Buster” Grooms; and her niece, Patricia Grooms Neal.

She leaves to cherish her memory her two sons, Sterling R. Evans III and his wife, Teresa Evans, and Scott C. Evans Sr. and his wife, Joyce Evans; her beloved grandchildren, Richard Smith, Keisha Smith, Bryan Crittenton Jr., Todd Campbell, Amber Berry, Scott Evans Jr., Tiffany Evans, Trae Evans, and Rylee Evans; her great-grandchildren, Asher Evans and Ariana Davis; a host of nieces and one nephew, including Linda Turner (Mortimer), Denise Grooms-Evans, Karen Grooms, and Bryan Grooms (Nicquell); and many other relatives, friends, and loved ones.

Rita Faye Brown will be remembered for the love she gave her family, the wisdom she shared, her love of gardening and travel, and the many memories she created with those she loved. Her life touched many people, and her memory will remain in the hearts of her family and friends forever.

May she rest peacefully and forever in the loving arms of God.