Committal
Marcella “Marcy” Louise Reinhardt Brown, 100, of Grace Ridge, Morganton, NC, passed away peacefully in the early hours of Monday, February 20, 2023.
Born in St. Louis, Missouri on May 29, 1922, she was the daughter of the late Henry J. and Ruth W. Reinhardt. An only child, Marcy grew up in the suburb of Webster Groves. She graduated from Webster Grove High School, earned her associate’s degree in English from Stephens Women’s College, and graduated in 1944 from the University of Colorado with a bachelor’s degree in sociology.
Being a part of the “Greatest Generation,” she met and married WWII veteran Alan McChesney”Mac” Brown , Sr. in 1946. They had two children, Alan, Jr. and Kathryn. The Brown’s settled in Kirkwood, MO until 1956, when Mac’s job transferred him to Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. They lived in Michigan for over 25 years. In 1980, having had enough of the Michigan weather, Marcy and her husband moved to Morganton to be closer to their son and their two grandsons.
Marcy, who never met a stranger, quickly became involved in her new community. She volunteered with the United Way, Grace Hospital gift shop, and the St. Charles Catholic Church Ladies Guild. She also ushered at CoMMA. She did all of this while also being a full-time gramma and designated baby-sitter! Marcy’s final community was at Grace Ridge Retirement Community, where she lived for 20 years, served on numerous committees, and was referred to as “The Mayor,” being a designated greeter.
Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter, Kathryn McGinnis; son, Alan McChesney Brown, Jr. (Gayle); grandchildren, Jason (Raven), Bryan (Melissa), and Amanda Brown; and six great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, Marcy was preceded in death by her husband, Alan M. Brown, Sr.
The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. A funeral Mass will follow at noon in the church with Fr. Ken Whittington, Dea. John Martino, and Dea. Ed Konarski officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Grace Ridge Endowment Fund, 500 Lenoir Road, Morganton, NC 28655 or to St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 728 W. Union Street, Morganton, NC 28655.
Marcy wanted to be certain to thank the staff of Grace Ridge who enhanced her life for the last 20 years.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Tribute Wall
Leave a tribute for Marcella “Marcy” Louise Reinhardt Brown.
Alan, so sorry for your loss. Praying for you and all of your family.
Macy will be truly missed. She was always a pleasure to have join in all of my healthcare activity groups. It didn't matter if we were having exercise class, social or a party. She was always there with a smile and greeting all the residents at Grace Ridge. Marcy was loved by everyone. I will never forget all the many special moments we spent together .
Brown family n neighbors, Was so sad to hear about MS Browns passing. What a joy to have here for so long.much prayers n love to all of you but especially your Mother on her new journey.
So sorry for your family's loss. She was a special lady. I worked in the laundry. She always wanted me to do her clothes so I could get the stains out she said. It was a sad day when I went and told her I was leaving for a new job. She begged me not to go. She wanted my number so I gave it to her. She called me one day and asked me to please come back so I could do her clothes. She said no one could get her stains out but me. That meant a lot to me. I loved to go to her room and talk to her. She was very special to me. She will be greatly missed.
Miss Marcy I'm so glad I had the opportunity to meet you. I enjoyed being your housekeeper and a friend. I loved making you laugh. Now you can rest. You will be missed dearly. Love your friend Angie.