Whitney Nicole Brown McCarthy, age 39, passed away peacefully surrounded by love on December 20th, 2025 after an 18-month courageous battle with leukemia.

Born on June 16, 1986 in North Charleston, SC. Whitney was a 2004 graduate of Summerville High School and attended The University of South Carolina. She was most recently employed with the SC Department of Motor Vehicles.

Whitney lived a life rooted in love for her family. She enjoyed spending time and many occasions with her Summerville and Columbia family. She had a deep love for her parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Throughout her illness, she faced each day with extraordinary grace and faith, reminding all who knew her of the power of hope, prayer, and perseverance. She found joy in trying a new recipe, going to a favorite restaurant with friends, visiting the beach, crafting and coloring, or simply being at home with her best friend and husband, Michael.

While we grieve her passing, we find peace in believing that Whitney is now at rest—free from pain, held in God’s loving embrace, and surrounded by eternal peace. We will see her in the simplest of things and feel her all around us. Her soul lives on and her love will continue to guide and comfort us.

Whitney is survived by her devoted husband of 11 years, Michael; her mother who never left her side, Betty Lynn Messina; her father and bonus mom, Robert & Elizabeth Brown who believed in all that she did; her sister Hannah and brother Robbie, who loved and looked up to her; her dedicated grandmother, Mary Murray; her grandfather, Maurice Halsey; and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins. Everyone that knew her will forever carry her memory in their hearts.

She was preceded in death by her stepfather, Ronnie Messina; grandparents, David Murray, Ed Raynor, Bob & Judy Brown, and Dorothy Halsey; along with several aunts and uncles.

The funeral will be held on Tuesday, December 30th at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society.

Though her life on earth was far too short, her spirit, love, and light will remain with us always. “Nothing you love is lost. Not really. Things, people – they always go away, sooner or later. You can’t hold them, any more than you can hold moonlight. But if they’ve touched you, if they’re inside you, then they’re still yours. The only things you ever really have are the ones you hold inside your heart.” Bruce Coville