Nancy “Nana” Ruth Brown, 90, of Emporium, PA passed away at Magee-Women’s Hospital-UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA on Thursday evening (June 13, 2024) following a brief illness. She was born July 8, 1933 in Prestonville, Kentucky the daughter of the late Frank Poland and Ruth Chapman Poland. Ruth passed away when Nancy was 2 years old, so Nancy and her four siblings were raised by her Aunt Mary Francis Chapman in Carrollton, KY. Nancy graduated from Carroll County High School in 1951. While working at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, OH she met Wendall Henry Brown whom she married on February 21, 1953 at the First Baptist Church of Carrollton, Kentucky.

Nana relocated to Emporium, PA in June of 1972 with her family. She worked for many years as an office clerk at the Big “G” Department Store and Coppersmith Furniture until her retirement. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church where she sang in the Choir and played the Piano for over 40 years. She shared her faith and unconditional love with everyone who passed through those doors. Although originally from Kentucky, Nancy was a dedicated fan to the Pittsburgh Pirates, Steelers, and Penguins. 

Nancy is survived by a son, Chris Brown, Emporium; daughter, Wendy Magaro, Boston, VA; son, Tim Brown (Brenda), Beaver, PA; son, Philip Brown (Jodi), Emporium; 7 grandchildren: Laura Nan Isaac (Tom), Danville, PA, Ryan Magaro (Brandi), Emporium, Adrienne Rouette (Chris), Boston, VA, Cameron Brown (Kristen), Coraopolis, PA, Forrest Brown (Shannon), Pompano Beach, FL, Luke Brown, St. Marys, PA, Jordan Brown, Denver, CO; 7 great grandchildren: Ethan Isaac, Jaxon Rouette, Milla Magaro, Aria Magaro, London Brown, Haven Brown, and Otto Brown.

In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by

Parents, Frank and Ruth Chapman Poland, Husband, Wendall Henry Brown, Aunt Mary Frances Chapman, great grandson, Enzo Magaro; 2 brothers, John Morris “Buddy” Poland; Francis Marion “Fat” Poland; 2 sisters, Helen Virginia Witte and Georgiana Brown.

Visitation will be at the Barnett Funeral Home on Thursday, June 20th from 4-7 PM. Funeral Service will be held at the First Baptist Church, 424 N. Broad Street, Emporium, PA on Friday, June 21 at 11:00 AM with Rev. Russell J. Horning, officiating.

Burial will be in the Newton Cemetery, Emporium, PA

Memorial Contributions may be made to First Baptist Church Memorial Fund, 424 N. Broad Street, Emporium, PA 15834 or to the Emporium Senior Center, 105 East Fourth Street, Emporium, PA 15834

Online Condolences may be placed at www.BarnettFuneralHome.net

BARNETT FUNERAL HOME, Inc. entrusted with arrangements.