Grace Lewis Brown

If you felt the warm glow of a helpful light pass your way on Nov. 1, 2026, it may have been the soul of Grace Lewis Serles Brown as she left her earthly form to continue on her journey of ensuring that everyone was a little better off than when she encountered them. Born May 28th 1947 to Julian R. Serles Jr. & Elizabeth L. Cranford Serles of Arlington, Virginia. An only child, Grace excelled in her studies and became a Congressional Aid in the office of Rep. Harlan Hagen before attending the University of North Carolina at Greensboro where she graduated, with honors, with a degree in Interior design. It was at UNCG that Grace was introduced, by her college dormmate and future sister-in-law Alice, to the love of her life John W. Brown, Jr., with whom she would celebrate 55 years of marriage. Before marriage, Grace lived in Georgetown and worked providing graphics for congressional committees. After marriage, John and Grace settled in Charlotte, NC where she became a marketing executive for Belk Store Services. Grace paused her career at Belk to raise her sons Ross and Andrew Brown. While Ross and Drew were growing up, Grace took on prominent roles as PTA President and Chairman of several local Design Charities. Her PTA work inspired Grace to get a Masters degree in Early Childhood Education from Queens College and begin her second career as a teacher. Grace taught for over 18 years in the Charlotte Mecklenberg School system where she focused primarily on 3rd - 6th grades, eventually settling with the Horizons program teaching the top 1% of CMS students at Barringer (now Charles M. Parker) Elementary. Over her time teaching she made many life-long friends and watched many scholars achieve marvelous accomplishments. In retirement Grace continued pursuing her passions for children's books, cooking, history, and gardening. These passions led to traveling through Europe and becoming a published author of "Farm Yarns", a history of the Brown family, and "Club Colony", an account of the Club Colony neighborhood and the Garden Club, of which she was a valued member.

Grace is survived by her husband John W. Brown Jr., her sons Ross Brown, ( wife Sara Rafferty Brown, grandson Theodore Brown), and Andrew Brown.

Sisters-in-law: Vivian Brown Kramer, Alice Brown Teele, and Julie Brown Draeger.

Nephews: Barrett Teele, ( wife Devin Sowers Teele, son Jackson Teele ), Dr. Reid Draeger ( wife Lindy Behrendt Draeger, sons Julian and Lewis Draeger ), and Eric Draeger, ( wife April Garrett Draeger, son Garrett Draeger )

Nieces: Amanda Kramer Borden ( husband Dr. William Borden, son Max and daughter Sela Borden ) and Jennifer Kramer Weston ( husband Randy Weston, son Camden Weston ).

Grace was a force for good, striving for the best in life, and celebrating the joy of remaining young at heart. She loved us all and will miss us as much as we will miss her.

"It's been a good life, and I thank you for being part of mine."

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Levine Cancer Institute, The Carolina Raptor Center, or your local Humane Society or Animal Shelter.