Carol Brown
Carol C. Brown passed away at home on Thursday, June 19, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was 79.
She was born on June 12, 1946 in Fairmont, WV to William and Margarite Cleveland, the eldest of five children. Due to health issues (Carol contracted polio at the age of five) she was raised by her aunt and uncle Mary and “Jud” Wright in Columbus, Ohio. Carol never forgot her roots, after graduating from Eastmore High School in 1964 she returned to her hometown to attend Fairmont State College, where she was able to play a major role in raising her siblings.
From a young age, Carol was an accomplished dancer, especially in “Tapp & Toe”, and became a student instructor at Ona’s Dance Studio in Fairmont. She competed in the Miss Fairmont, West Virginia pageant, a preliminary to Miss West Virginia, and finished as the 1st runner up.
In 1965 she met the love of her life, Bill Brown, and the couple were married on February 17, 1967. Upon graduation, Carol, Bill, and their son Curtis moved from Fairmont to Mansfield, Ohio to continue raising their family.
Throughout her vibrant career, Carol wore many hats with grace and determination. She shone as a marketing professional at Tappan Stove, found her calling as a realtor with Coldwell Banker, and left an enduring legacy as the founder and director of the Habitat for Humanity Richland County Chapter. Beyond her professional achievements, Carol embraced her role as a dedicated Cub Scout Denmother, inspiring young minds with her boundless energy and compassion. She also served as a mentor and shining example to many, dedicating herself to helping those around her reach their full potential, including three foreign exchange students from Mexico, Brazil, and Chile, who became part of her extended family. While she excelled in every endeavor she pursued, her greatest joy and unwavering passion lay in nurturing and cherishing her family and the loved ones who filled her life with purpose and love.
Carol is survived by her loving husband of 58 years Bill, sons Curtis and Clint Brown, five grandchildren, siblings Kay Martin and Jimmy Cleveland, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, including her special nephew Jason VanPelt.
She is preceded in death by her brother Billy Cleveland and sister Charlene VanPelt.
The Brown family will receive guests on Saturday, June 28, 2025 from 1 to 3 pm at Snyder Funeral Homes, Marion Avenue (formerly Finefrock) Chapel, 350 Marion Avenue, Mansfield, Ohio, where a funeral service honoring Carol’s life will take place immediately after.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the First Congregational Church at 690 Millsboro Road, Mansfield, Ohio 44903, or online at https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/S8S5GQSNPV8PY.
The family would also like to extend a special thank you to Carol’s longtime caregivers Shannon Stewart and Stephanie Banko, as well as to Hospice of Western Reserve for their excellent care, compassion, and attention to Carol’s needs.
Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve Carol’s family and encourage you to share a fond memory or message of condolence on her obituary page at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.