Gilda Brown

Gilda Elizabeth Owen Brown, 88, went to be with her beloved Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 1, 2023. Born on September 12, 1935 to Ruth Elizabeth Lippard Owen and Wilburn Leon Owen, Gilda was a beloved daughter, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, wife, aunt, teacher, and friend to many. Gilda graduated from Mt. Ulla High School where she was a stand out basketball player and state champion. She then attended Women’s College (later named UNC-Greensboro), Catawba College, and received her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from NC A&T University. She taught 4th grade at Pickett Elementary then 5th grade at Dunbar School until her retirement. Gilda loved to work outside on her farm and take care of her animals. She had rental properties and was a generous and benevolent landlord. One of her greatest joys in life was being an anonymous benefactor to people who were struggling and needed assistance. She never wanted glory or thank yous and preferred to remain unknown. Her favorite saying was “The Lord loves a cheerful giver.” Gilda was a simple woman and chose to use her assets to help her church and others. Gilda loved her family deeply and would have done anything for her children and grandchildren. Her four children were blessed to have the best mother the Lord could provide. Gilda is survived by her daughter Susan Avery, and sons Bruce Moody (Pam), Roger Moody (Melissa) and Harold Moody (Elaine). Her grandchildren are Abi Hembree (Ben), Jessica Queen (Shandal), Katie Ratliff (David), Jon Moody, Emily Martin (Riley), Kalyn Moody, and Christopher Moody (Jenny) and 12 great-grandchildren: Cameron, Alana, Griffin, Layla, Landon, Aubrey, Kyler, Bradley, Ethan, Drake, Carter and Sam, and special friend, Debbie. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Margaret, her brothers Leon and Tommy, her son-in-law Fredric Avery, and her husband, Howard. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews who she adored. The family would like to thank her devoted caregiver, Diana Bero, for many years of loving care. We also thank the dedicated Rowan Novant Hospice Team of Tiffany, Tamika, Windy, Melissa, and Lynwood for their kindness and amazing care of our mama. She loved you all, and you’re truly angels in disguise. Gilda’s funeral will take place on Friday, October 6, 2023 at 4:00 PM at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church with burial in Sandy Creek Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church to the Blessing Box Fund, 4299 S. NC Hwy 150, Lexington, NC 27295.